Clifton Backies was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2002. It is situated between Bootham Stray 100 acres of grassalnd  off Water Lane in Clifton Without. This area has seen varied use over the centuries, from arable fields in monastic times to an airfield in World War II. Surviving historic features include the ridges and furrows created by medieval ox ploughs, the concrete airfield paths that provide level access today and the old blast shelters.  It is well used by dog walkers and the local community and S8 field is rather wet with sedges 

There are many good plant areas  in S4  and S6  including crested dog's tail, knapweed, red clover, greater burnet and pignut .