Barmby Tidal Barrage

This huge concrete tidal barrage was built in 1975 as a flood relief measure and to allow more drinking water to be extracted for public consumption. A sluice stops the polluted waters of the Ouse from contaminating the Derwent and a lock allows pleasure craft to pass through. Before the barrage was built, the marshlands often flooded in winter allowing for lots of ice-skating.

The area around the barrage is now a wildlife reserve and a country park. Birdwatching is a big attraction here where you can see all sorts of marsh birds, from herons and kingfishers to swans and ducks. It is also now part of the Selby to Hull cycle route.

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