A new RSPB reserve (http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/staidans/) opened this weekend, and what is great is that it is only 12 miles from our house! Just next door to RSPB Fairburn Ings, St Aidan’s is again an example of nature taking back what is lost as it is an old open cast mine. Just like at Fairburn, lakes and reed beds have been created, and a lot of wildlife is already present. One major inhabitant is as breeding Bittern. Unfortunately we didn’t see the Bittern, or hear it, but we saw loads of other birds. Highlights were Reed Buntings, and Greylag goslings!
The site is based around a number of walks of differing lengths, and there is a new visitor centre by the entrance. We could have done with some benches on the way around but it’s early days yet.
By the entrance is a major heritage project remembering the open cast part of the history of the area, a great big machine!
A very pleasant day, before the sun went in, and I’m sure we’ll visit again soon to try out the other routes.
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