Welcome to the DellHere in the Dell you can enjoy a large expanse of trees, wetland, meadowsand parkland. This is a haven for wildlife; a carefully-managed mix ofenvironments where a wide range of animal and plant life is encouragedand supported. For the benefit of the local community and visitors alike,it's a park which will grow and change season after season to attract moreliving things and give pleasure all year round.

Fruits of the ForestThe trees here provide food, shelter andnesting habitats for a wide range of birds,insects and small mammals. Hedges havebeen allowed to grow into mature treesand new species have been planted. Acopse has been created at the

northern end of the Delland an orchard at thesouthern end.

Species likehawthorn produceflowers in thespring then berriesin the latersummer months,both of which are

important food sourcesfor wildlife. Human beings

can make tasty things fromthe other flowering and fruiting

trees here - crab apples can be usedto make jam while the fruit of theblackthorn can be turned into sloegin. And, of course, the rich greensof spring and summer, the reds,yellows and golds of autumn andthe leafless shapes of winteralways provide something new todelight the eye.

Wildflowers, Mini Beasts and BirdsMeadow areas have been re-seeded with a mix of grass and native wildflowers,and some areas are left to grow during spring and summer - this providesimportant nectar and pollen sources for bees and butterflies.

Look out for small skipper, speckled wood, peacock, small tortoiseshell, large,small and green veined white, red admiral and small copper - just some ofthe butterflies which have been seen here.

The insects, in turn, pollinate the flowers which then produceseeds that fall to the ground and grow the following year. Thesame thing happens to grasses and this process improves thevariety of species here year after year.

By providing a habitat for insects we also encourage birdsand animals to feed on the seeds and mini beasts living inthe meadow areas. Swallows and house martins can beseen regularly during the spring and summer, swoopingover the tall grass and ponds as they hunt for flyinginsects. House sparrows feed on grass seeds during thesummer.

Other birds to look out for includeblackbird, swallow, swift, grey wagtail,blue tit, chaffinch, greenfinch, dunnockand goldfinch.

Populating the PondsThe beck runs along thelength of the Dell and feedsinto two ponds. These aquatichabitats provide homes andbreeding areas for many insectsand amphibians such as dragonflies,water boatmen, pond skaters, frogsand toads. The ponds have beenplanted with wetland species to increasethe habitat variety and attract even morepond life.

A Little LearningThe Dell is a fantastic place to bring children and students from schools andcolleges. They love to leave the classroom to learn about the natural world in reallife - experiencing all the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the countryside - andto see how different plants and animals interact. Why not ask if your college orschool can visit the Dell?

You are here

Paths

Boardwalk

Trees

Key

• Please put your litter in the bins provided• Please clean up after your dog• Please don’t light fires• Please respect the Dell, residents and

other park users

• To report any damage or make any commentsplease contact Scarborough Borough Councilon 01723 232323

A Call to ActionVolunteering is an important part of maintaining the many habitatsof the Dell. Some people enjoy it just for its own sake; others gainvaluable experience in conservation management. All make a

valuable contribution to the site’s wildlife, safety and attractiveness.If you would like to be a volunteer please contact ScarboroughBorough Council Parks and Countryside Services on 01723 232323.

Ponds

Ponddipping

platform

Copse

Stone circle& Totem pole

Speckled wood butterflieson bramble

A female blackbirdfeeding on the berries ofhawthorn - a valuablesource of food for wildlifein the late summer andwinter months

House martin Swallows

Keep an eye open for the meadowspecies above. Butterflies left toright, red admiral, meadow brownand small copper. Flowers left toright, ox-eye daisy, yellow rattleand greater knapweed.

In the spring theflowers of hawthornare an important foodsource for wildlife

As the ponds mature, sightings ofdragonflies like this attractive maleCommon Darter will increase

Orchard

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Gouldings Close

The ponds provide a hometo the common frog

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The water boatman isa voracious predatorof other aquaticcreatures and insects.It swims upside downusing fringed hind legsas paddles.