Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Based near Watton, alongside the river Hull, Tophill Low Nature Reserve is owned and managed by Yorkshire Water. The reserve comprises two reservoirs which supply the city of Hull with drinking water, both are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, the surrounding woodland, grassland and wetlands are maintained to increase biodiversity across the site.
There are 13 accessible hides, a viewing gallery and over 3km of surfaced paths which give full access to all areas of the reserve. There are bird feeders outside the reception hide and a pond dipping platform that is used by visiting school groups. There is a full education programme that is free for local schools during term time, delivered by dedicated education guides.
Birds & wildlife
Tophill Low boasts a list of 270 bird species that have been recorded on site over the years, and visitors can expect to see over 50 species at any time of the year. Iconic species are the marsh harrier, the kingfisher, otters and grass snakes, the reserve supporting good populations of each. Wildfowl numbers increase in the winter as overwintering duck species such as wigeon, pochard, goldeneye and teal feed and roost on the reservoirs. In the summer, the woodland is full of bird song with summer migrants such as garden warbler, blackcap and chiffchaff adding to the resident bird population.
Migration
During migration in spring and autumn, the lagoons attract passing waders to refuel on their long journeys. Dunlin, redshank, curlew, green and common sandpipers are regularly seen.
Breeding
Breeding birds on the marshes include common tern, marsh harrier, little ringed plover, kingfisher, water rail, as well as moorhen, coot, mallard and gadwall.
Other wildlife
The reserve is home to a range of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies in addition to moths, bats, roe deer, great crested newts and both land and freshwater invertebrates.
Access
Admission to the reserve is paid on arrival; the cost is £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for concessions, £1.50 for children, and under 5s are free. There is a membership scheme available for regular visitors, and mobility scooters can be hired if booked in advance. There are toilets but no refreshment facilities, and no dogs are allowed.
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https://www.yorkshirewater.com/things-to-do/reservoirs/tophill-low-nature-reserve/