Howden Dyke Island

Howden Dyke Island is a river island in the Ouse that formed gradually through natural erosion in the middle of the 20th century. Today it serves as a protected space managed for wildlife conservation purposes.

The island formed in the 1950s following construction of a fishing pond in the 1920s, which triggered gradual erosion that separated it from the mainland. This natural process led to its development as an independent ecosystem.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds purchased the island in 2014 for £47,500 to maintain its status as a wildlife conservation area.

The island is accessible only by boat and water levels change significantly throughout the day. Visitors should check current conditions before heading out as tidal movements affect accessibility.

The island is managed by a bird conservation organization and serves as an important breeding and resting ground for waterbirds. Despite its protected status, it remains relatively unknown to most visitors, offering a remote spot for birdwatching.

GPS coordinates: 53.72440,-0.86226

Latest update: December 24, 2025 22:36