The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust

FAQs

Can I use the Nature Reserve?

We would love you to! We have permissive footpaths that are shown on the interpretation board at the entrance to the reserve. We ask that visitors are respectful of wildlife, residents and school pupils.

  • Private land: Stay on the marked permissive footpaths.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Please pick up after your dog.
  • No fires (including BBQs,) ball games or picnics.
  • Dogs on short leads (Townend Field only) when no sheep grazing (The notice at the entrance will make this clear)
  • The Long Carr is particularly wildlife sensitive: No dogs allowed (a gate will also prevent sheep going on the Long Carr)

Are dogs allowed on the reserve?

Yes and No!

As it states above, dogs on short leads are allowed on the footpaths of the reserve in the main field (Townend Field) throughout the year, except when the sheep are grazing. A notice is displayed to make this clear. Because the bottom field (Long Carr) is particularly wildlife sensitive, there are no dogs allowed at any point on that part. Don’t worry – you can’t miss it, as there is a signposted gate separating the two parts of the reserve.

The policy on dogs will be carefully monitored and reviewed as necessary by the trustees. Thank you for your cooperation with this.

Can I have a picnic?

With nature and wildlife at the top of our agenda, we ask that visitors do not picnic on the nature reserve. This will significantly reduce the risk of littering (accidental or otherwise,) but it also reduces disturbance to wildlife and the land itself. We have permissive footpaths for visitors to enjoy walking on and a small number of benches to enjoy some quiet reflection, but by not allowing picnics, it keeps the focus on the land as a nature reserve rather than a park.

What is a permissive footpath?

A footpath which has been outlined by the land owners (hopefully UOCT!) giving permission for people to use it. One of our aims is to enable access into the land as a nature reserve, but allows us the flexibility to reroute this if needed (for example if there are rare nesting birds along the path.)

I spotted something special - how can I share that?

Please go to the 'sightings and memories' page and let us know! If you have a photo, you can upload it there, too. Please give us as much information as you can, to help us build a clearer picture of wildlife at Townend Field Nature Reserve.

Is the site accessible?

We have installed a ‘mobility kissing gate,’ which allows for the majority of wheelchair users to be able to manoeuvre onto the site. Currently the paths are mown grass, but we are aiming to make the entrance area flatter so that people can at least enjoy being on the reserve. This is dependant upon funds, so please do help us if you are able to, as we want as many people as possible to enjoy Townend Field Nature Reserve.

Could the school build a classroom on their field?

No. The land hasn’t been gifted to the school, as this would mean gifting it to the council which would then be out of the trust's control. We have a lease agreement with the school for the use of an agreed section as a school playing field. This lease includes a clause ensuring that no building work whatsoever is allowed on the field.

How can I get involved?

We have a volunteer co-ordinator and a wonderful team of volunteers, which we are always looking to add to! Please register your interest. You can be involved as much or as little as you would like – we just really appreciate the support!

Volunteering

To secure the financial stability of the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust to carry out essential maintenance and improvements to the site longer term, we are always looking for donations and funding. (link to donations page)

Make a donation

Another way that you can get involved is by becoming a member of the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust. All of the details of this can be found here:

How you can help

Are you accepting business sponsorship?

If you have a business and are interested in sponsorship, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch with us at info@uoct.org.uk to discuss this further.