RSPB Nature Reserve – like a phoenix from the ashes of the opencast mine the now restored site will be officially open from 9.30am on Saturday 25th May. It looks as if there will be no fancy scissors cutting or gathering of big wigs, so just turn up any time between 9.30 and 5pm to the visitor centre on Astley Lane between Allerton Bywater and Swillington.
Mind, you can access the site from any one of three gates alongside the river Aire from Methley (as we have been able to do for some months now).
The site has been restored by Harworth Estates – formerly UK Coal in collaboration with the RSPB who are to manage the 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat and interconnecting footpaths. Grassland, reed beds, woodland and open water with man made islands boasting any number of birds and mammals are there to view.
I expect there will be a lot of expensive binnocs and scopes on view with people looking for that great crested…..
Visit the site at this electronic connection www.rspb.org.uk/staidans