Heslington West, University of York

The original campus of the University of York lies between the south-east edge of the city and the village of Heslington. It is referred to by YOC as “Hes West” (the university itself has a more complex set of names, including Heslington West). The main wildlife feature is the ‘old lake’ which runs west through the middle of the site in an inverted ‘L’ shape from Heslington Hall in the east, before turning south towards Fulford Golf Course.

A visit to Hes West can be combined with a visit to Hes East (see that entry) to make a good day’s birding.

Hes West from the air © Chris Lloyd, Aug 2013
Hes West from the air © Chris Lloyd, Aug 2013
Hes West, Heslington Hall end © Jane Chapman, Sept 2015
Hes West, Heslington Hall end © Jane Chapman, Sept 2015

Habitat

Whilst the lake is quite large (it is about 1km in length), it is surrounded by buildings for about half its length, with steep (often vertical) banks. The lake itself has a large population of course fish (attractive to fish-eating birds) and there are some well-vegetated areas and attractive islands. The southern end is the most natural.

Bird life

Great Crested Grebe, Hes West © John Lawton, July 2013
Great Crested Grebe, Hes West © John Lawton, July 2013

The old campus has free-flying populations of Snow and Barnacle Geese, as well as feral Greylags and Canada Geese. Surprisingly tame Goosanders visit in winter in good numbers; and Grey Herons occur all year round. In winter the southern, wooded area round the lake holds a spectacular Covid roost, and if you are lucky you may see Little Egrets coming in to roost as the light fades. Also in winter, numerous Alder trees can support Siskins, Lesser and occasionally Mealy Redpolls, but they are all unpredictable. Among the regular flocks of gulls, occasional rarer species turn up, and Common Terns are regular spring passage migrants. Pochards occur in small numbers all year round. The more wooded areas have breeding Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Treecreepers and other woodland birds. The university has installed numerous bird- and bat-boxes.

Other Wildlife

Most of the old campus grounds are tended parkland, but recent university policy has been to allow more natural meadows to develop. Some of these now have colonies of Bee, Pyramidal, and Spotted Orchids. Water Voles and Otters are occasionally reported.

Hes West © Jane Chapman, Sept 2015
Hes West © Jane Chapman, Sept 2015

Access

The whole site is open to the public. The public roads adjacent to the site have no, residents only, or very restricted parking during the week, so if you come by car you are advised to use the pay-and-display university car park on the southern edge of the site. To find it, drive from Heslington Hall towards Fulford, and opposite the university playing fields on your left, turn right immediately after the zebra crossing up Newton Way. The car park is about 200m on the right. It is free at weekends and before 08.00 and after 18.00h during the week. Good cycle routes cross the site. The numbers 66 and 67 buses from York city centre stop at Heslington Hall.

By John Lawton, revised December 2023

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