According to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s State of Nature report, 25% of Yorkshire’s ‘species of concern’ are found in wetlands (water, fens and bogs). Here in the North York Moors National Park, we’re working to help enhance, restore and connect these habitats.
We’ve created some great scrapes (a shallow pond, less than a metre deep, which holds water seasonally) and wildlife drinking pools through the GrubsUp! project.
These wet patches may seem humble but for countless insects they’re a vital habitat; many species spend their larval stages in shallow, fresh water and need these micro-wetlands to thrive. Ponds don’t only help bugs, they’re also crucial for iconic species such as turtle dove as they need to create a crop ‘milk’ to feed their young.
GrubsUp! aims to create a network of ponds, scrapes and water-holding areas into the landscape, including within our newly created traditional fruit orchards. Planted by community groups, schools and National Park volunteers, these orchards are ideal places for ponds and scrapes and demonstrate how tradition, community and nature recovery can work hand in hand.
