The NNR is in the grounds of the Duncombe Park, a country house built in 1713. Main habitats: woodland, wood pasture The gardens and parkland have restricted opening times as part of Duncombe Park Estate. Visit the Duncombe Park Estate website for more details or telephone 01439 770213. Admission charges apply. Features of interest This protected parkland is in the River Rye valley and is home to many ancient trees, which provide a home for rare invertebrates and fungi. Birds found here all year round include 3 species of woodpecker, nuthatch and the elusive hawfinch. In summer they are joined by pied flycatcher and redstart. In spring the woodland floor is covered in sheets of bluebells, primroses and wild garlic. The River Rye flows through the reserve and this is home to many rare insects, trout, otter and birds such as dipper, grey wagtail, kingfisher, grey heron and sand martin. See the site visitor leaflet for more details. Directions The nearest train station is in Malton. There are bus services from Malton to Helmsley via Hovingham. For details go to the Travel Search website, or Traveline Yorkshire. Duncombe Park is approximately 25 kilometres to the north west of Malton and 1 kilometre south west of Helmsley on the A170. The site is accessed via a minor road from the town. There is car parking in Helmsley and in Duncombe Park Helmsley is on the Ebor Way a 112 kilometre trail (76 miles) from Helmsley to Ilkley. The Cleveland Way is a national trail, covering 177km of footpath from Helmsley to Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. The route travels through part of Duncombe Park Estate and passes Rievaulx Terrace, which was also created by the Duncombe family. Contact For more information contact Natural England Enquiries, tel. 0300 060 3900 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.