Our Monthly Feature:

Lower Ure Conservation Trust

 

Following the success of Ripon Together’s Green Fair, we’re thrilled to spotlight Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT) as our November feature! This monthly series highlights local eco-conscious organizations to keep the green momentum going year-round.

About LUCT

LUCT, a dedicated charity founded in 1997, is passionate about transforming former quarry sites into thriving wetland habitats rich with biodiversity. With the help of their committed volunteer team, LUCT oversees Nosterfield Nature Reserve, Well Wetlands Nursery at Nosterfield Quarry, and several local conservation sites, such as road verges and Farnham Bank near Knaresborough.

Conservation in Action

Nosterfield Nature Reserve
Located between the Rivers Ure and Swale, this 60-hectare sanctuary features wet grasslands and lagoons. Visitors can observe the area’s diverse wildlife from three accessible hides, connected by pedestrian walkways.

Nosterfield Quarry
Covering 40 hectares, this site includes open water, reedbeds, limestone bedrock, and fenland, with remarkable success in species recovery. In 2010, Nosterfield was honored with North Yorkshire’s first-ever “booming” bittern sighting.

Well Wetlands Nursery
LUCT’s volunteers nurture native wetland plants from locally collected seeds, with an impressive 18,000 plants propagated to date. This nursery helps restore local biodiversity and provides habitat for wetland birds, including Bitterns, Ospreys, and Reed Warblers.

How You Can Get Involved

LUCT offers hands-on opportunities for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re interested in conservation work, like hedgelaying and habitat management, or supporting plant propagation in their nursery, there’s a role for everyone. Opportunities include:

  • Weekday Volunteering: Tuesdays and Fridays
  • Saturday Community Work Days: Ideal for all ages
  • Conservation Club: For young volunteers aged 14–18
Upcoming Events
  • Community Work Day: November 9 – Join us to clear a woodland glade and build dead hedges.
  • Wellbeing Walk: November 20 – Enjoy a guided walk focused on relaxation and connection with nature.
  • Conservation Club: December 14 – A special day for our younger volunteers.
Engaging with Nature

From school groups to community visits, LUCT provides accessible learning and memorable experiences in nature. Their events program features guided walks, themed tours, and family events to deepen visitors’ understanding of local wildlife.

Follow LUCT on social media for updates, monthly “What to Spot” guides, bird reports and events. Learn more about their projects and get involved at www.luct.org.uk