Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve

Skipwith Common is one of the last areas of lowland heath in the North of England. It is a nationally important nature reserve, managed by English Nature, principally because of insect and birdlife.

Skipwith Common is a National Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation and the Common also contains ancient burial sites. The 270 hectares of open heath, ponds, mire, fen, reed-bed, woodland and scrub are an ancient landscape, with its roots in pre-history.

A huge variety of plants and animals depend on the Common for their survival. Today, an ancient breed of longhorn cattle, wild and hardy Hebridean sheep and Exmoor ponies graze the common, plus a herd of wild fallow and roe deer. Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve is a delight at any time of the year.

A beautiful and ancient landscape enjoyed by man for at least 4000 years. Tread where your ancestors trod, see many of the sights that they saw. Experience a walk on the wild side or a gentle meander with time to take in the special features, rare and special flora and fauna and sit a while and enjoy the solitude.

If you are feeling energetic you can try one of the three waymarked trails: Bombs and Lizards, Hidden Archaeology and the Skipwith Explorer that each take you on a journey around the nature reserve, encompassing its special sites and features. Further Information: All dogs MUST be kept on a lead and under close control at all times, to reduce disturbance to ground nesting birds and to prevent harm to the grazing livestock.