Townend Field Nature Reserve
Protecting nature and wildlife for the benefit of our community.
Our Objectives
Comprising 20 acres of diverse natural habitats including woodland, wetlands, meadows, and streams;
Townend Field is home to a rich variety of native wildlife. The land is located alongside the road and footpath between the two villages of Great and Little Ouseburn, offering the opportunity to integrate the reserve into the daily lives of local residents, pupils and visitors.
We have three main objectives to achieve on the Reserve as outlined below:
Habitats and Species
Create a safe and lasting environment for wildlife to thrive, preserving the diverse wildlife existing on the site and developing the environment to encourage wildlife to return to the site.
The site benefits from:
- Diverse wetland habitats including wet meadow, reed beds, bog and marsh, running and still water, part designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
- Several mature and veteran native trees.
- Much of the land is ‘unimproved’, having had no use of chemical fertilisers in living memory.
- Home to UK red list declining bird species such as Spotted Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Tree Pipit, and Curlew (Birds of Conservation Concern 5).
Community Engagement
Create a lasting benefit for the local community through permissive access and participation in positive action for nature. Strengthen community sense of place and connection to nature.
- A permissive footpath for residents and visitors to enjoy the space and engage with nature.
- Seating area on site.
- Opportunities for the community and volunteers to get involved in the development and preservation of the site.
Protect Landscape Character
From the outset the plan has been to manage the land in perpetuity as a nature reserve.
The views the land affords are a significant feature of the village and are specifically mentioned in the village ‘Conservation Area Character Appraisal’. We will look to maintain this whilst further developing nature and wildlife on the site.
Education
- Approximately 0.5 acre will be set aside solely for use by the school as a playing field as well as access to the nature reserve.
- Pupils will have space to play and learn in a natural environment.
- Opportunity to explore a variety of habitats.
- Participate in hands-on activities such as tree planting.
- Learn about the environment and sustainability.
- Work with other education establishments such as Askham Bryan, to support education more widely beyond the immediate community.
