Duncombe Park NNR
The NNR is in the grounds of the Duncombe Park, a country house built in 1713.
County: North Yorkshire
Main habitats: Woodland, Wood Pasture
Area: 103 Ha
Link to site map: Nature on the Map
The parkland is in the River Rye valley and is home to many ancient trees. These reflect some of the conditions of the wild wood which covered the valley thousands of years ago.
The trees provide a home for rare invertebrates and fungi, and Duncombe Park is an important site for wood-feeding insects. Rot holes in the trees provide nest and roost sites for birds and bats. Birds found here all year round include three species of woodpecker, nuthatch and the elusive hawfinch. In summer they are joined by pied flycatcher and redstart.
In spring the woodland floor is covered in sheets of bluebells, primroses and wild garlic.
The River Rye flows through the reserve and this is home to many rare insects, trout, otter and birds such as dipper, grey wagtail, kingfisher, grey heron and sand martin.
View a map of the reserve: (131kb)
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Location and access
Duncombe Park is approximately 25 km to the north west of Malton and 1 km south west of Helmsley on the A170. The site is accessed via a minor road from the town. There is car parking in Helmsley and in Duncombe Park.
The nearest train station is in Malton and there are bus services from Malton to Helmsley via Hovingham. For details go to the Travel Search website, or Traveline Yorkshire.
Helmsley is on the Ebor Way a 112 km trail from Helmsley to Ilkley.
The Duncombe Park estate, including the NNR, is open from Easter to October, Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 5.30pm, telephone 01439 770213. Admission charges apply.
Facilities
There are toilet and refreshment facilities in Helmsley, and in Duncombe Park which has a Parkland Centre shop and tearoom. Parts of the estate are suitable for wheelchair access and wheelchairs can be pre-booked for loan.
