STUDLEY PARK
The free-access, bird-rich park adjoining Fountains Abbey
Studley Park is part of a National Trust property with the much better-known Fountains Abbey, but the park has free access, whereas you pay for Fountains unless you are a member. The mixed habitats give you a great day out. I used to bring my mother here to see the deer and birds on the lake, using the car as a hide.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Take the path towards the church from the car park to skirt Fountains Abbey. This brings you into the park, which has impressive herd of mixed deer. Walk across the park towards the large building, which is Studley Royal. In doing so you could see Red, Fallow and Sika Deer. Look out for Great Spotted Woodpeckers around the many park trees.
2
Drop down to the lake, with its mixed waterfowl. Both Greylags and Canada Geese are common, along with Mute Swans, but it is worth scanning for species like Tufted Duck in summer with Pochard, Goldeneye and Goosander in winter. Check under the overhanging shrubs and trees for Mandarin, and always look through the gulls for Mediterranean, Common and Black-headed Gulls.
3 Start your walk down the River Skell, where you cross seven bridges before reaching the boundary of the park. With running water in spring/summer look out for Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper. Listen out for tit flocks in winter as you may find a Marsh Tit amongst the Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed Tits.
4
Reaching the boundary, you walk back towards the entrance to the park. There will be plenty of Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges around. Check for nesting Jackdaws and Stock Doves in the trees.
5
Return your steps along the large avenue with a mixture of trees like Large-leaved Lime, Pedunculate Oak and Sweet Chestnut. Listen out for Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper here. Scan for raptors with the chance of Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and even Goshawk. The place is full of Grey Squirrels, which feed the Goshawks.