What are Scorton Lakes?

Scorton Lakes is just a few miles from the busy A1(M) and Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire – but with six miles of footpaths and bridleways, woodlands and wildflower meadows, and seven lakes, it is a haven of tranquillity enjoyed not only by birdwatchers and naturalists but by others who come from a wide area for its leisure and wellbeing benefits. Walking, dog walking, running, horse riding, meeting up with friends, connecting with nature, families of all ages, and those simply looking to be in a peaceful setting visit in their hundreds each week.

Scorton Lakes is home to a variety of species of birds, mammals, insects, butterflies, and plants. The site has been designed for biodiversity, with a mosaic of habitats that attracts a wide range of wildlife, and is thoughtfully planned to encourage re-wilding. A carefully planned network of fenced and largely accessible footpaths allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the wildlife areas without having direct access to important habitats – around the lake shores, for example – ensuring minimum disturbance of nature, especially at night.

The lakes area was formally registered by North Yorkshire Council as an Asset of Community Value in 2025.

Help Save Scorton Lakes

Despite the fact that this area is supposed to be protected for a period of 25 years following the recent completion of quarrying activities, Scorton Lakes are under threat. After three years of uncertainty, it is believed that plans are about to be submitted for approval of a large-scale holiday park complex containing more than 150 holiday multiple occupancy lodges and associated entertainment facilities, as well as a number of retirement cottages. We believe that if this scheme goes ahead, it will cause major, irrecoverable damage to the natural habitat, remove a much-needed and valued well-being space for our community, and will detrimentally change the character of Scorton and the surrounding area.

We Need to Act Now

Once a planning application is submitted, the window to respond is short. To give our community the strongest possible voice, we need to be fully prepared from day one. That means:

Without proper preparation, planning decisions can be made before residents have a fair chance to respond - we can’t afford to wait!

What Your Donation Will Do

Your support will directly fund:

Every contribution helps ensure this process is fair, transparent, and properly challenged.

Please donate now. We expect the application to be submitted soon. By donating today, you are helping us act immediately — not react too late.

Early support also shows decision-makers that this is a serious, organised community effort, and a situation that a lot of people feel strongly about.

Please Support If You Can

Whether it’s £5 or £50, every donation makes a real difference.

If you’re unable to donate, you can still help by sharing this page and spreading the word.

Together, we can make sure our community is heard.

Any monies not used in this campaign will be donated to the RSPB.

For further information, please go to scortonlakes.org

Thank you for your support.