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:
- 195 bird species have been recorded by local birders
- 37 of these are on the UK Red List (bird species of greatest conservation concern)
- The Reserve is significant for over-wintering birds and during migration periods
- 18 extreme rarities have been recorded
- 60 species (11 of which are Red Listed) either breed on the Reserve, or have been recorded as probable or possible breeders. This includes the iconic Avocet, the very epitome of conservation success, adopted by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as its own symbol
Scorton Lakes Nature Reserve is also home to14 species of mammals, including 11 species of bat. Badgers, otters, brown hares, and roe deer can also be seen.
In addition there are many varied invertebrates, including rare species of dragonflies such as the Small Redeye Damsel Fly, Red Veined Darter, Lesser Emperor and Emperor. It is also home to 28 various species of wasps, bees, beetles, moths, including the rare Cinnabar Moth. There are also 22 species of butterfly, 2 of which are on the red list, the Wall Brown, and White Letter Hairstreak.
There are more than 20,000 trees plus 120 species of plants which include Bee Orchid, Black Knapweed, Birds Foot Trefoil, and Common Spotted Orchid. Trees, reed beds, wet grassland and wildflower meadows have been established to enhance wildlife habitats.
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.