We are regulars at Golden Acre Park but we have never walked around the Adel Dam Nature Reserve before. Adel Dam is a tranquil nature reserve tucked out of sight, has emerged from a centuries-old working dam and the surrounding land. A rare combination of wet and dry woodland surrounds a lake and pond frequently visited by kingfishers – the number one attraction. Masses of bluebells and fungi in season are also exceptional.It can be accessed through Golden Ace Park. Instead of walking across the new wooden bridge at the back of the lake verve down to the left and enter the nature reserve through the gate.
It can be accessed through Golden Ace Park. Instead of walking across the new wooden bridge at the back of the lake verve down to the left and enter the nature reserve through the gate.
It’s a beautiful peaceful walk with lots of species of bird previously spotted and we couldn’t wait to see what we could spot!
You can download the ADEL DAM NATURE RESERVE Self-guided walking trail PDF here but we managed without!
The walk leads you to the first of 2 hides, the hide is a small shed overlooking the pond with a bird feeding station. We were lucky enough to see numerous magpies and a beautiful small grey heron. From this hide we went on an adventure through the woods… winding paths, wooden stepping stones and little bridges crossing the marshy ground were very exciting for my little girl! Arriving at the lake hide we entered to be met by a local photographer who showed us his beautiful pictures of the Kingfisher we had missed by just minutes! Kingfishers – Adel Dam’s main attraction – have bred here; if you are lucky you will catch a flash of their bright blue. We waited to see if he came back -he didn’t but we were rewarded by a beautiful white heron!
As the walk continued we spotted lots of grey squirrels and various birds including a Red Kite (I was starting to wish we had a bird book as my lack of bird knowledge was really showing!!).
Elusive species include water rail and lesser spotted woodpeckers. Birds of prey also frequent the site, with resident sparrowhawk and visits from red kites and buzzards. Fungi flourish amongst the standing and lying dead trees. Badgers and roe deer visit the site, and a family of foxes have made the nature reserve their home!
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Great for
Best time to visit Mar – May and Aug – Oct
Opening Times: Open at all times
Pram & Wheelchair friendly paths from the car park to the nature reserve and Marsh Hide. RADAR key required by wheelchair users at the nature reserve entrance. Paths become more rugged and muddy after the Marsh Hide. Dogs are not permitted on the reserve.
Parking
Use either of the Golden Acre Park car parks, one of which is on the A660 and the other on the Adel to Arthington road.
