About

Set on a steep hill ascending out of Scarborough, this rough acid pasture and scrub woodland nature reserve offers beautiful views across the town and over the sea.

In the past this acid grassland has seen some improvement but now the pasture at Harland Mount Nature Reserve is managed by traditional methods to restore it to the species rich grassland it once would have been.

There are currently few rarities on site, but interesting and attractive species including ox-eye daisy and common knapweed flourish. The Nature Reserve is worth a visit simply for its unspoilt nature, as well as to take in the magnificent views afforded here.

The steeply sloping woodland bisects the meadows and is primarily a dense mix of ash, oak, elder and hawthorn. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust currently thins out the woodland to allow ferns and other flora to colonise more of the ground making the most of the newly created lighter conditions. Bluebell, primrose and dog violet grow on the banks below the woodland.

There is a small dew-pond in the upper field that has long been dry and offer potential restoration in the future.