Allerthorpe Common Nature Reserve is a small but superb example of lowland heath in the Vale of York, supporting an impressive range of heathland wildlife. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is a particularly good place to see adders and lizards, it supports a rich variety of water beetle and dragonfly species, and is one of the last places in Yorkshire where the Marsh St. John's-wort thrives. To learn more about this lowland heath habitat, visit the Habitat page.
Following tree clearance by Forest Enterprise, we are restoring an adjacent piece of land to heathland, to further support the wildlife of the common. More volunteers are urgently needed to help restore and maintain this important habitat. To find out about volunteering opportunities, visit the Working Parties page.