Family activities: Take a walk around Skipwith Commmon

East Leeds boasts numerous pockets of nature and history, from Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall to RSPB Fairburn Ings and RSPB St Aidan's. Another, perhaps lesser known, gem is Skipwith Common, located next to the historic Skipwith village and close to nearby town Selby.

Skipwith Common is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's managed by Escrick Park Estate and Natural England.

Visitors walking the trails around the Common may come across numerous species of wildlife, including Hebridean sheep, Longhorn cattle and Exmoor ponies, as well as flora and fauna.

Over a relatively short distance, visitors can walk through beautiful woodland and heathland - some of the last remaining lowland heath in the north of England.

There are three waymarked walks of varying lengths, from 1 to 6 miles - perfect for families and dog walkers.

During the Second World War, the Common was utilised as a bomber training airfield - evidence of which can still be viewed today. The 'Bomb Bays loop' (red waymarked walk) takes visitors around a short trail to see the old tarmac runway of RAF Riccall.