Welcome to High Batts
High Batts (charity number 1151676) is a private Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s on the river Ure near North Stainley, 4 miles north of Ripon, in North Yorkshire.
The Reserve is actively managed to optimise its biodiversity and conserve habitats and species. There’s a wealth of plant, insect, bird and animal life, including kingfishers and otters on the river.
Reserve Fully Reopened from 5th January 2025
After recent flooding, High Batts has fully reopened from Sunday 5th January 2025.
As snow melts there is the possibility of further flooding over the next few days, so members are asked to please exercise caution and leave the Reserve if there is any sign of rising water levels.
Muck-In Mornings
Saturday Muck-In Sessions are being held. The next one is on Saturday 18th January 2025.
See the Events page for more details and for dates.
Annual Report 2022
The Annual Report 2022 has been published.
See a digital version of the report here. Members who want a printed copy can order one – please get in touch.
Images
The 2025 Image Gallery is up and running.
If you have good photos you’ve taken at the Reserve and you’d like them to feature on the website, please send them in – see Contact.
About the Reserve
High Batts is mixed woodland and clearings on the banks of the river Ure. There are three hides, from which members can view the wildlife at the Reserve.
Read more About the Reserve.
Membership
You can become a member by making an application and paying the annual subscription. This gives you access to the Reserve, the opportunity to join members’ events, and more.
Find out about Membership.
Conservation
Conservation is the prime purpose of High Batts, which is part of the Ripon Parks SSSI. Our species recording programme is a key part of this, as is In at the Start (a long-term project to restore a quarrying site once work finishes).
Access
High Batts is a private Nature Reserve open to subscribing members, to visitors by arrangement, and on Open Days. There are no public rights of way on the Reserve.
Group visits can be arranged for those interested in natural history, photography, art, walking and more, as can school visits and other educational visits.
Read more about Access.
Events
There are regular Members’ Muck-in Sessions, and a programme of events designed to allow members to gain new skills and learn more about nature and wildlife.
Read more about Events.
News
Regular news updates from High Batts: reports of Members’ Muck-ins, of our Open Days, and news of Reserve projects and awards.
Read High Batts News.
