Humberhead Peatlands: seasonal highlights
Every season has its highlights at Humberhead
There is a good population of Britain’s only poisonous snake, the adder (locally-known as ‘hetherds’) on the Moors. They’re best seen at the start of the warmer spring weather, which tempts them out from their winter slumber.
Spring also brings the bubbling call of the curlew, while from March to July the diminutive woodlark is a special visitor. The peatlands are an internationally important breeding site for the nocturnal, insect-feeding nightjar. Once known locally as the ‘gabble ratchet, it returns to nest each May from Africa.
In May and June, there is a fantastic display of cotton grass – like white clouds drifting across Thorne Moors. It represent the most northerly stronghold in Britain of the secretive nightingale, which migrates here from the African savannah to breed. Its wonderful song can be heard in spring and early summer evenings and - contrary to popular belief – often during the daytime too.
Oystercatcher, lapwing, ringed plover and great crested grebe can all be spotted around the lakes during the summer. Spot beautiful brimstone, small copper and speckled wood butterflies, while the large heath is a speciality on Thorne and Crowle Moors. Look out for clouds of iridescent dragonflies and damselflies - black darter, four-spotted chaser and broad-bodied chaser dragonflies zipping above the mire
A visit in late summer is always rewarding. Walk across the Moors and you’ll be surrounded by the purple haze of flowering heather.
Early Autumn hears the red deer population begin the rutting season on Thorne Moors.
Winter bird visitors include whooper swans, pink- footed geese and short-eared owls.
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Contents
- Humberhead Peatlands NNR
- Seasonal highlights
- History
- How to get there
- School and community groups
- Want to get involved?
Resources
- Information leaflet
- Adder advice note: (395kb)
- Site map (Nature on the Map)
Events
Other NNRs in the area