The Lower Ure Conservation Trust
Bringing nature back, together
The Lower Ure Conservation Trust is a small, ambitious charity with a big passion for nature. Based at Nosterfield Nature Reserve, near Ripon in North Yorkshire, we work to restore wildlife-rich habitats and help more people discover, enjoy and care for the natural world.
Our story began in 1997 with a belief that former sand and gravel quarries could be transformed into wonderful places for wildlife. That vision led to the creation of Nosterfield Nature Reserve, now one of North Yorkshire's most important wetland sites and a thriving home for birds, plants and other wildlife.
Nearly 30 years on, our ambitions have grown. Today, we're working beyond the boundaries of the reserve, helping to restore and reconnect habitats across the Lower Ure Valley and surrounding areas. And we're sharing what we've learned with others, helping to make a difference for nature further afield.
Making space for nature
Much of the landscape we see today has been shaped by centuries of human activity, leaving many of our once-rich habitats lost or fragmented. But we know that, given the right conditions and a helping hand, nature can recover.
From creating wetlands and restoring species-rich grasslands to growing rare native plants in our specialist nursery, our work is rooted in practical conservation and a deep understanding of the local landscape.
We work with landowners, businesses, conservation organisations and local communities to bring neglected habitats back to life, create new opportunities for wildlife and connect important places for nature.
We're also keen to share our knowledge and experience. Over the years, we've developed specialist expertise in wetland restoration and native plant propagation, and we're proud to help others put that learning into practice.
Connecting people with nature
We believe that nature is for everyone, and that spending time outdoors, discovering wildlife and getting involved in caring for the places around us can make a real difference to people's lives.
Whether it's joining a volunteering day, discovering the wonders of pond dipping, learning about wildlife on a guided walk or simply enjoying a peaceful moment at Nosterfield, we want to help people feel closer to nature.
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They bring an extraordinary mix of enthusiasm, knowledge and practical skills, giving thousands of hours each year to caring for habitats, growing plants, monitoring wildlife and welcoming visitors.
Working alongside our small staff team and trustees, they help make LUCT the friendly, hands-on organisation it is today.
Looking to the future
What began with the restoration of one former quarry has grown into a much wider ambition: to help create a landscape where nature can thrive and where people feel connected to the wildlife and wild places around them.
We know that meaningful nature recovery takes time, knowledge, commitment and collaboration. By bringing people together, working in partnership and building on what we've learned, we want to play our part in creating a richer, more resilient natural environment for generations to come.