York’s Hidden Spaces – Railway Pond

Join us as we discover hidden green spaces in our blog series

We're in York for our hidden green spaces this time, with a space shared by a York Move Mate volunteer

At Move the Masses HQ we’re always keen to find new green spaces to explore, if you know of a spot near you let us know, we’re delighted to hear about new places! 

One of our York volunteers has been in touch to tell us about a little-known hidden green space. This is the fifth blog in our series – check out the others here. Don’t forget to let us know if you visit anywhere new as a result – we always love to hear from you! Likewise, if you have anywhere you think others should know about, please get in touch and we’ll feature it soon: hello@movethemasses.org.uk  

Happy exploring!

Photo of large wooden gate with 'York Railway Pond' sign on it.
The entrance to York Railway Pond
Photo of the Railway Pond, York. Trees to the right and pond with houses behind.
Nestled among the houses is a little oasis

How to access Railway Pond…

The main entrance to the Railway Pond can be accessed from Nelson’s Lane or Aintree Court. There is a carpark at the Nelson’s Court and a gate leading to the reserve. A short walk through some woodland will bring you to the north side of the pond. From Aintree Court, look for the Railway Pond Information Board, a gap in the trees will take you straight onto the waterside path on the south side of the pond.

York Railway Pond and Reserve is dog friendly and wheelchair accessible. 

Show location on Google Maps.

York Railway Pond and Reserve is a great place for spotting wildlife; from various waterfowl and wading birds, including heron, to mixed woodland species and flowers.

 

There is a playground opposite the carpark on Nelson’s Lane.

 

No toilet facilities, the nearest are at the Askham Bar Park and Ride.

Path through the trees, splitting around an old trunk
Well maintained paths around the reserve
York Railway Pond and Reserve noticeboard
The reserve is cared for by volunteers

Did you know…

In 1833, a Roman tomb was discovered in the orchard along North Lane. In the mid 1990s, there was a plan to fill in the pond by Hassal Homes, York Natural Environment Trust and the ‘Friends of Mayfield Pond’ (now known as the Friends of York Railway Pond and Reserve) worked with them to develop the space as a nature reserve with public access.

There are benches to sit and spot wildlife from
A coot swimming across the pond with the houses in the background
Like this coot swimming across the lake

The Friends of York Railway Pond look after the reserve.

Find out more  about the facilities on offer here, and don’t forget, if you decide to visit as a result of this article, please take a snap and let us know!

You can always tag us on @move.map on Instagram, or feel free to drop us an email: hello@movethemasses.org.uk 

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