THREE HAGGES WOODMEADOW
Three Hagges Woodmeadow is a relatively new site on the York area map, having been a plain old barley field as recently as 2013, when it was planted with native trees, shrubs and grassland to create a haven for wildlife. It’s managed by the Woodmeadow Trust, with a vision of creating a thriving woodland and meadow ecosystem. Three Hagges Woodmeadow is the trust’s flagship site, and it hosts educational events throughout the year. It’s already rich in biodiversity and there’s great birding potential. The number of bird species recorded has risen from 15 in 2014 to 51 in 2019, and is likely to keep rising as the habitat matures.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Immediately to the left of the entrance is Jubilee Copse. In summer, look for Willow Warbler and Bullfinch. You might also flush a Red-legged Partridge.
2 Orchard and Plasmor Copses are good spots for Reed Bunting and Whitethroat in the summer. Yellowhammer and Garden Warbler have also been reported here, and there are always Goldfinches.
3 The pond at the far end of the site is a magnet for dragonflies, which I’m hoping will encourage Hobby – already regular summer visitors to the nearby Lower Derwent Valley. This corner is flanked on two sides by mature woodland, which is worth checking for common species, especially mixed flocks of tits and finches in winter.
4 The adjacent woodland of Hollicarrs Holiday Park attracts Tawny Owls, and Cuckoo can be heard in the spring. There are usually Buzzards overhead, and Kestrels and Red Kites are common.