Redhouse Wood and Lagoon
Redhouse Wood (SE5257) is a keepered mixed wood, mainly coniferous, with a right of way through the northern third. Nearby, beside the River Ouse is a Yorkshire Water extraction lagoon and pumping station. A walk from the west of the wood over two fields leads to the River Nidd and then northwards to the confluence with the River Ouse opposite Beningbrough Hall before turning east and back to the lagoon and wood. At birding pace the walk takes about 1.5 hours and involves 3 stiles.
Access
Take the A59 northwest from A1237 near Poppleton. After 3.25 miles turn right towards Moor Monkton and after 0.3 miles turn right into Redhouse Lane. Continue for 1.6 miles to the south east corner of the wood
Parking
Park either on the grass verge just before the gate, or in the small lay-by through the gate or at the Pumping Station car park SE526573
Likely Species
Winter highlights in the wood can be Redpoll, Siskin, Crossbill, Woodcock, Treecreeper and tits. 2012 produced a Firecrest. The river can hold Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck and Goosander. The lagoon has a small gull roost, ducks, geese and a Goosander roost.
Summer has breeding Buzzard, Tawny Owl, and Nuthatch can be heard in the Beningbrough parkland. Warblers including Garden are regular as well as Green Woodpecker. In the area are Oystercatcher, Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank. At the lagoon are early hirundines, Grey Wagtail, and passage Cuckoo and waders.
Bluebells are a treat in Spring and Grass Snake has been seen. Large frog and toad breeding pond by the pumping station and possible Tansy Beetle by the River Ouse.
By Peter Watson, September 2015