dunesforde nature reserve

Creating a place where nature can thrive…

When the Townsend family bought the land for the vineyard in 2016, they simultaneously set about transforming a 25 acre plot nearby that will become a natural habitat for wildlife to thrive as well as a tranquil place for friends and family to retreat.

Four years ago, the land was over-run with weeds and thick with Himalayan balsam as well as Blackthorn. This was all cleared for 4000 native trees to be planted. Central to the land was a marshy area, initially believed to be down to poor drainage. However, with expert advice wonderful natural springs were discovered. Amazingly these springs are largely responsible for the lake which now graces the land and is proving so inviting to all kinds of wildlife. Swans, geese, ducks and oyster catchers are all enjoying our verdant oasis.

Get away from it all

It is the family’s hope that this reserve will become a sanctuary for wildlife. To help sustain this beautiful spot and support its maintenance, there are plans to make the reserve available to use on a very exclusive basis. No-one else around, just back to nature in this very special setting in North Yorkshire. So if your family and friends are keen on an off-grid experience or if your business is looking for a tranquil setting to get out of the office then do give us a call to chat through. The reserve would make the perfect spot for a team building away day alongside use of the vineyard building. We also offer volunteering days for businesses who are looking to get their teams hands on outside the workplace.