SAFARI SO GOODY

As the great outdoors beckon and exploring Yorkshire’s vast, breathtaking, awe-inspiring countryside appeals… now more than ever, Alice Bailey sets the scene for a wonderful wildlife adventure not to be missed.

Going on Safari might conjure up images of heading across one of Africa’s iconic Great Plains, but there’s a different kind of Safari on offer much closer to home.

A trip to Spurn National Nature Reserve at Yorkshire’s very own equivalent to Land’s End will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world, and while there might not be any big cats to spot there is plenty of other wonderful wildlife and beautiful vistas to enjoy.

A truly unique place, Spurn Point is a stunning stretch of sand extending three and half miles into the Humber Estuary. With a rich maritime and military history, it has evolved over the last 50 years into a renowned and internationally important wildlife haven. It’s now managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the only charity entirely dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places in Yorkshire.

The nature reserve used to be accessible by public road but in 2013, that road was swept away by the worst North Sea tidal surge in 60 years, leaving the reserve cut off and creating the UK’s newest ‘tidal island’. But the beauty of the area was simply too good not to share so the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust looked into the purchase of an allterrain, vehicle suitable for the off road seven-mile round trip to the “far East.”

Enter the Unimog a specially adapted ex-military 4x4 truck – and the “Spurn Safari” was born. The tours take visitors on a unique journey off road and on the beach aboard this special vehicle, while one of the knowledgeable guides explains all about the peninsula’s rich wildlife and its fascinating past.

Now one of the UK’s top migration watch points, spring and autumn prove to be an irresistible draw for birdwatchers, but bracing walks and panoramic sea views are guaranteed all year round. This time of year, as we head into winter, there will be the chance to spot goldcrest, thrushes, starlings, pipits, finches, buntings, long and short-eared owls, skylarks, shore larks, sparrow hawks and kestrels, merlin, buzzards, and the chance to

Image: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust tour (3 A Mason)

SPURN IS A TRULY UNIQUE PLACE: A LONG STRETCH OF SAND EXTENDING THREE AND HALF MILES INTO THE HUMBER ESTUARY.

Image: Spurn 569 Paul Lyons see waxwing, great grey and red-backed shrikes is also possible, along with snipe and woodcock, egrets and harbour seals – to name but a few.

Image: Grey seal - Credit Neil Aldridge

Safari goers in the Unimog have the best of both worlds: they are out in the open but safely seated. The vehicle can provide shelter on wet and windy days by lowering seethrough curtains and also acts as a mobile ‘hide’, allowing privileged views of wild deer and birdlife. Its heightened vantage point is also excellent for photography.

The Safaris have been a catalyst for further development in the area. The three-hour trip also includes a visit to the top of northern England’s tallest lighthouse which was renovated in 2016. There are incredible 360 degree views stretching for miles and miles on a clear day for those who are able to climb to the very top. The growing popularity of the area also led to the development of the Spurn Discovery Centre which opened in 2018, where visitors can enjoy a Yorkshire cuppa and a delicious slice of cake. 13 people are now employed at Spurn, along with 25 active trainees and volunteers.

The “Military Safari” experience features a chance to explore the recently excavated wartime tunnels and bunkers, and is accompanied by a specialist historian for a more in-depth view of the area’s historic significance, regaling the group with stories of dramatic sea rescues and wartime bravery. This trip has been a favourite of war veterans and their relatives who were stationed at Spurn, and the families who once lived on the peninsula have joined a Safari to see this special place once again.

Since launching in 2014, over 8500 people have been on a ‘Spurn Safari’. As well as being a great way to see ‘the Point’, the Safari also allows those who might not otherwise get the opportunity to enjoy the area, including those with limited mobility, and inter-generational visitors to experience its beauty.

The landscape at Spurn point really is unique and the ‘Spurn Safari’ provides an unrivalled way to be immersed in such a wildlife rich and historic place, with minimal environmental impact.

And after your visit you may well want to return to do it all again, whether it’s dramatic seas, moody skies or amazing sunsets across the Humber … no two days are the same at Spurn.

Top two images: Thorny Beck Alpacas and Bike and Boot. Images on right: Uppergate Farm and Potteric Carr Nature Reserve.

ANIMAL ANTICS

For more outdoor adventures across the county …

THORNY BECK ALPACAS Lead your very own alpaca companion on a trekking experience through delightful undulating farmland, forestry and pastures with stunning views of the North Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors. There’s a chance to get involved in feeding time and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the most memorable moments. BIKE AND BOOT Check into the dog welcoming Bike and Boot in Scarborough, for a quality break with your best, four-legged, furry friend. There are so many brilliant walks to be enjoyed with your canine companion. Try one of the three trails of different difficulty at Raincliffe Woods The rugged walk at Broxa Forest has plenty of wildlife to spot down by the River Derwent and if you’re lucky a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Beautiful and bracing Cayton Bay is perfect for a wild walk on the beach. Keep an eye out for fossils while your dog’s out letting off some steam. UPPERGATE FARM Stay in the holiday cottages, superb converted barn, listed farmhouse apartment or luxury yurts on this gorgeous working farm in Hepworth and get involved with the daily animal activities. Guests can enjoy the superb, spacious, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms. There’s

extensive woodland and farm walks to enjoy. POTTERIC CARR NATURE RESERVE With large reedbeds seemingly stretching for miles, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Potteric Carr is famed for its wetland birds including bitterns. On a network of paths visitors can explore this wildlife utopia and lose themselves in the wooded areas. With excellent facilities including a tearoom, toilets and thirteen viewing hides, guided walks and wild workshop, this exceptional nature reserve offers something for everyone.