Eastrington Ponds – Local Nature Reserve

Eastrington Ponds – Local Nature Reserve. This was last weekend’s walk out and we loved it, so here is all you need to know

Location: Eastrington in East Yorkshire 

OS Explorer Map 291: Grid ref: SE 787 298.

Postcode: DN14 7PL

Run by: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Unlike a lot of ERYC local nature reserves, this one benefits from free parking.  Although not overly plentiful at 20 spaces we had no issue parking when we went and a steady flow of visitors in and out during the day meant it was unlikely to ever be a major issue.

Ther reserve is open all year round, 24 hours a day.  It is worth pointing out there are no facilities on site  so best to arrive with an empty bladder if you can.

Situated on the trackbed of the old Hull to Barnsley railway line it is in close proximity to the current Hull to Leeds line although due to the somewhat remote nature there is not easy access by rail.  Howden station is approximately 3 miles away, and has a more regular service than the village station in Eastrington which is approximately one mile away from the site.

The reserve extends to 23 acres with an additional permissive pathway adding to the walking options.  The focal point of the reserve is the large fishing pond, which when we visited had a wide range of ducks on it too.  

The large fishing pond sits on the site of the former Eastrington Brickworks and is supplemented by numerous smaller wildlife ponds and streams around the site.

Wildlife that can be seen here ranges from your standard fare of squirrels, ducks and more common birds from the likes of various members of the tit family to the more scarce and fascinating willow tits that excavate nests, and for bats such as Daubenton’s bats, which roost in tree holes.

There is also a bird hide located on the edge of the main pond for the avid twitchers out there.

Ideal for dog walkers

The reserve prides itself on being good for dog walkers, although it is requested they are kept under close control.  The red path shown on the map is the route of the former railways lines.  The central path is at the top of the embankment which gives good views over surrounding farmland.  The outer paths are at the base of the embankment and give shoreline access to a number of the wildlife ponds.

Throughout the reserve due to the wide range of paths and the generous sizing of them there was no issue in maintaining social distancing throughout the visit.  Everyone was very courteous and polite whilst enjoying their morning out like us.