Washburn car parking charges to continue to support nature conservation and countryside management

Profit generated from the car parks will continue to be invested into nature conservation, countryside management, and the continued funding of the in-house ranger team.

Following an extended trial period, car parking charges at Yorkshire Water’s Swinsty, Fewston, and Thruscross reservoirs, will remain.  

The trial was initially introduced in 2024 with the intention of raising funds to support local nature conservation, countryside and facilities management, and the implementation of the utility's first ever team of rangers.  

Over the course of the trial period, the circular route around Fewston Reservoir has been refurbished, with a particular focus on improving access for disabled customers, and the implementation of more thorough inspections around reservoirs has led to quicker identification of issues and completion of maintenance. 

The ten-strong ranger team works with volunteers and partner organisations to collectively manage habitats around Yorkshire Water’s reservoirs by controlling invasive plants, planting wildflowers, mending paths, and completing wildlife surveys. They also host events on wildlife and the natural environment for local schools, reaching and providing education to hundreds of pupils, as well as leading free events for the public such as wellbeing walks and family-friendly, nature-based crafts. 

Lee Otter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said: “Our reservoirs are important outdoor spaces for local communities and visitors, and it’s vital that we care for them and make them as enjoyable and safe as possible for people and wildlife alike. By introducing a small parking fee, we, and especially our rangers, have been able to carry out a range of projects to that effect.” 

David Spencer, lead ranger at Yorkshire Water, said: “Developing and growing our team over the past three years has allowed us to step-up our approach to maintaining the land around our reservoirs, and importantly, to encouraging local communities to enjoy and engage with the natural world around them.” 

Funds raised from the car parking charges going forward will continue to support the ranger team’s activities, enable better facilities management, and fund local nature conservation. 

Lee added: “We hope that visitors to our reservoirs have noticed some of the positive changes that we’ve been able to make since the charges were introduced. We’ll continue to work hard to improve access, habitats, and overall community enjoyment of the facilities.” 

Bransby Wilson will remain the contractor for the car parking operation. Tariff charges will remain the same, and annual permits remain available.