Kilnsey Park - A Very Different Aquatic Attraction?
By David Marshall
An article which first appeared in the July 2004 edition of Ryedale Reporter, the
monthly magazine of Ryedale Aquarist Society, North Yorkshire, England
Aquarticles
Location - The village of Kilnsey near Skipton, North Yorkshire (on
the B6160 Kettlewell road), England.
The town of Skipton is known as the 'gateway to the Yorkshire Dales'. Set on the boundary
of the Counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, Skipton is surrounded by panoramic scenes of
great natural beauty. Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in
Europe.
Kilnsey Park Opening Hours - Sunday to Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.,
(dusk in winter).
Entrance fee to Nature Trail - Adults £3, Child/OAP £2, Family £8.
Tickets are purchased from the Farm shop.
The village of Kilnsey is famous for its Trout Farm where 35 tonnes of Rainbow Trout
(157,000 10" fish) are produced every year. The Trout pens are fed by the site's own
natural spring, the water temperature varying between 6.5 and 9 degrees C. from winter to
summer.
Since the Trout Farm grounds were first opened to the public, in 1980, the visitor
facilities have been expanded to form a new visitor experience crowned by the opening of a
new Aquarium facility in the Spring of 2004.
As we entered the car parking area we had little clue as to just how enjoyable our
first visit to Kilnsey Park would turn out to be. Walking out of the car park we found, to
our right, two large lakes. The first of these is open for 'day ticket fly fishing' with
permit and rods etc. available from the Farm shop. On the day of our visit several anglers
were actually having a poor time as there were large numbers of natural insects buzzing
around the pond thus taking the interest of the fish. The second is for recreational
purposes and as you walk around, viewing Rainbow Trout of many different sizes, a variety
of European and South American geese and ducks are never close behind. As it was the end
of May when Sue and I visited, baby ducklings were to be found all around the site.
Now, to your left, is a 'family fishing area' and here youngsters cast their lines. All
tackle is provided. Rules and regulations apply as to catches taken home.
Our reason for visiting was to take the Nature Trail. As soon as you enter the Trail
you find yourself standing next to a large pond containing a variety of huge Rainbow
Trout. Many of these are spectacular man-made forms, some of which have bright blue bodies
with red lateral lines whilst others are a deep gold-orange in colour. These fish adore
visitors, and you receive a bag of food pellets per person to spread around this and
another larger pond we will talk of later.
Moving on brings you to the first of two Red Squirrel enclosures that are used as part
of a conservation programme (in the U.K. the spread of the introduced Grey Squirrel has
decimated Red Squirrel populations in recent years) and as Sue says 'these lovely little
mammals look so cute.'
Now we enter the Aquarium building. Here we find 11 aquaria, of varying sizes and
dimensions, which house a variety of European, North American and Chinese freshwater fish.
With all good intentions a substrate of river sand was used in many of these exhibits but,
as a result of fish activity, this made the water rather 'cloudy' for the human viewer.
Among the fish on show here are Pumpkinseed Fish, Mirror Carp, Black Moor Goldfish,
Rudd, Common Carp and Sturgeon. The Common Goldfish exhibit made particularly interesting
viewing as a spell of warm weather had brought the occupants into spawning condition so
males, complete with white facial spots, were trying to drive the females, heavy with
eggs, into various aquatic vegetation. My favourite fish was a young Wels Catfish who was
very much at home around a rock cave.
Leaving the Aquarium brings us to a large pond containing many Rainbow Trout growing on
for the table. We are now going uphill, moving past the second Squirrel enclosure to the
Water Garden. This exhibit is still taking shape and is void of fish in order to give a
'wildlife garden' appearance. I am not making any criticism of the organisation of the
Trail but if you have children with you please do not let them get too far ahead at this
stage as, on the day of our visit, no supervisors were around for the exhibit which
follows.
We are now at the highlight of our visit - a 2.5m deep elongate pond. Once your eyes
have properly adjusted to the light you find yourself staring at a group of amazing
'normal' Rainbow Trout that come very close to a body length of 3'. Seating is provided
here so we took the opportunity for a rest, as not only can you view the Trout but you are
higher than you realise so have a wonderful panoramic view over the surrounding Yorkshire
countryside.
In the 'Butterfly Garden' are plants specially chosen in order to attract these
beautiful insects. Sadly, close viewing of the nine 'fingerling' Trout ponds was not
available on the day of our visit.
Now you can follow either a path or meadow walk that takes you down to an area where
Rainbow Trout are ready for harvest. At this point you exit the Trail.
A visit to the Farm shop allows for the purchase of fresh Rainbow Trout and other
locally produced foods. Here you will also find cafeteria and toilet facilities.
Kilnsey Park is literally a wonderful, and tranquil in its own way, place to escape to
for a few hours with plenty to do and see for all the family. Just remember to take a good
pair of walking shoes and to choose a day forecast for fine weather.
If you have the energy to continue, then the beautiful Parcevall Hall Gardens at
Skyreholme are a short car journey away. A warning in that the roads to the Hall are not
something an inexperienced driver should attempt. The Hall is open from 1st April to 31st
October and from 10.00 a.m. to last entrance at 5.00 p.m. (grounds close 6.00 p.m.).
You literally walk up a very steep slope and they begin your return journey through the
various terraces. This is 'Miss Marple England' at its very best and you certainly 'do not
stand on ceremony' here.
Lovely maintained terraces with a main water lily pond that is home to a small number
of Common Goldfish and a breeding colony of Golden Rudd. In a second pond we had not seen
so many tadpoles for years and the Lemon Goldfish here were spoilt for choice - don't
worry as many, many more would survive to become small amphibians than the Goldfish could
take in a season.
Round your visit off with traditional homemade scones and strawberry jam at the
splendid cafeteria.
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