Location
2.5 miles south-west of Bainbridge. Map reference SD 917 865

 Directions
Semerwater Nature Reserve is situated 2.5 miles south-west of Bainbridge Near Hawes, in Wensleydale. It can be approached by leaving the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road at Bainbridge (signposted Semerwater, Stalling Busk or Countersett) or from near Hawes (signposted Burtersett). Park at either Marsett, Stalling Busk or on the lake foreshore near Low Blean Farm, but there is a charge to park at the latter in peak periods. The reserve can be seen from the public footpath from Marsett or from Low Blean Farm. Please keep to the field edges or public footpath when the fields at Marsett Beck are being grown for hay. A good cross-section of flora can be found in the vicinity of the path that crosses the east of the reserve, by the lake, which also provides good views of waterfowl and waders.

Today the lake has a good population of our endangered native white-clawed crayfish.
In July there is a spectacular display of Yellow Water Lillies, once known as ‘brandy bottles’ due to their shape and smell.

HABITAT
Meadow, Wetland

FLORA
Ragged Robin – Marsh Cinquefoil– Lady’s Bedstraw – Wood Anemone – Marsh Marigold – Pignut – Tormentil – Devil’s bit scabious – Heather– Bogbean – Lesser Celandine – Yellow water Lilies.

 BIRDS
Lapwing – Curlew – Redshank – Tufted Duck – Great Crested Grebe – Whooper Swan – Canada Goose – Wigeon – Mallard – Teal – Lapwing – Sand Martin – Willow Warbler – Redstart – Meadow Pipit – Pied Wagtail – Yellow Wagtail – Reedbunting

 Managed by YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST  

Semerwater-in Wensleydale

Yellands Meadow Nature Reserve  – Seata Quarry Nature Reserve – Ballowfield Nature Reserve