About Scorton Lakes
History
Scorton Lakes were formed by the extraction of sand and gravel which commenced
in 1950. Prior to that the site had been a Royal Air Force airfield, with a distinguished
record during the war; a memorial has been erected in commemoration.
A condition of the planning application (approved in 2001) was that the area
would be restored to its pre-quarrying state and appropriately landscaped, with the
objective of promoting nature conservation and biodiversity whilst also providing
public access. The intention was to create a public amenity as “compensation”
for more than 70 years of industrial activity and disruption.
Extraction finished in 2022 and the extraction company (Tarmac) complied fully
with its obligations for restoration, both during quarrying and afterwards, to
wonderful effect. Their design and landscaping work was carried out, in
consultation with appropriate experts, resulting in a nature reserve which is now
widely regarded as an outstanding success.
In just a few years, the Reserve has developed rapidly and created valuable
conservation habitats whilst maintaining public access. This has been achieved
by excellent design, planning and landscaping. Hundreds of trees have been
planted and reed beds, wet grassland, parkland and wildflower meadows established to
enhance wildlife habitats. These areas have also been designed to avoid
disturbance which increases the nature conservation value in attracting“at risk” species.
These important areas take time to establish which is why Tarmac carried out early habitat
creation from 2007 onwards; they deserve great credit.
Nature
Scorton Lakes Nature Reserve is host to many insects and plants and the bird life is an amazing success story:
Birds
At whatever time you choose to visit you will find birds of interest.
In the spring and summer the site abounds with breeding birds including the iconic Avocet. The wooded and scrubland areas and the reed beds are alive with the songs of smaller birds, especially warblers.
In autumn and spring there are passage migrants which rely on sites like this to feed up and sustain their migrations in an increasingly challenging world.
In winter there are important assemblages of ducks, geese and swans along with large flocks of Lapwing and smaller groups of Golden Plover – species which are struggling in their breeding areas.
And all year round there is the possibility of something extraordinary turning up – a Long-billed Dowitcher from the high arctic of Alaska or Siberia or a Cattle Egret, part of a slow northward spread of this bird.
Insects
But it is not only the birds that make this site special. It is a haven for insects in general and dragonflies and damselflies in particular. In fact so many species breed here that the site meets the British Dragonfly Society criterion as a site of local importance in North Yorkshire.
Mammals
Badgers, Otters, Brown Hare, and Roe Deer can all be seen here.
A special feature of the site is the large number of bat species which have been recorded here.
Plants
As well as the developing woodlands of native species of tree and shrub, many interesting plants have been seen, including Bee Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid
Species counts grow year on year, and undoubtably the reserve will improve further as it matures.
How You Can Help Prevent This Development
Click Here
Scorton Lakes Nature Reserve features on the UK B-Line map
“B-Lines are an imaginative and beautiful solution to the problem of the loss of flowers and pollinators. The B-Lines are a series of ‘insect pathways’ running through our countryside and towns, along which we are restoring and creating a series of wildflower-rich habitat stepping stones.
They link existing wildlife areas together, creating a network, like a railway, that will weave across the British landscape. This will provide large areas of brand new habitat benefiting bees and butterflies– but also a host of other wildlife”.
For more info visit buglife.org.uk | info@buglife.org.uk
Wellbeing
Many people are already benefitting from the interaction with nature in a natural space.
Local community groups increasingly use the lakes for walks.
Individuals and families can be seen strolling, sometimes with their dogs, enjoying gentle exercise but also quality time together.
Horse riders and runners use this safe, traffic free location.
The physical and mental health benefits of being in natural spaces are immense and well proven.
These attributes were formally recognised when the broader Scorton Lakes area was registered as an Asset of Community Value in November 2025
Directions
Scorton Lakes is just a few miles from the busy A1(M) and Scotch Corner. It is easily accessible and serves a large population from within the North Yorkshire area and beyond.
From the A1 (M) – exit at Scotch Corner. Follow signs to Richmond, then Catterick (A6055). In Brompton-on-Swale turn left at the traffic lights towards Scorton and Northallerton
From Richmond – take Mason Dieu (B6271) to Brompton-on-Swale. Continue under A1 (M) and through traffic lights towards Scorton and Northallerton
From Northallerton – follow signs for Richmond and you will pass through Scorton.