This remarkable reserve has developed from a long history of coal mining and following the closure of this industrial activity in 1988, the area was left in a derelict state.  Regeneration began in the mid-1990s.  It’s transformation is a pleasure to see.

The weather forecast was good and 5 of the group set off from Grassington at 08.30am.  Glorious sunshine and blue sky as we drove south towards Old Moor.  On arrival the temperature was warm too

All the pathways are good with 7 hides along the route, leading visitors around the reserve.  Each hide offering a different landscape/waterscape view, including reed beds, the mere, Wader scrape, bird garden hide, east and west field pools and Wath Ings.  There is also a Bittern hide, but due to maintenance we were unable to visit that site.

Firstly, we ventured along the reedbed path where we met a photographer capturing images of dragonfly, which were in abundance, easily seen and close to.  We saw Willow Green Damsel Fly, Common Darter and Southern Hawker.  Continuing we viewed Canada Geese, Pink-footed geese, Marsh Harrier, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallards, Coot, Little Egret, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Widgeon, Gadwall and Teal.

Finding a picnic table in the sunshine, we stopped for lunch. A lovely break, then onward following the Green Lane Loop path, calling in each hide we encountered. More interesting sightings, Great Crested Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Cetti’s Warbler (heard but not seen), Moorhen, Herring Gull, Shoveler, Lapwings, Wren (heard but not seen), Kestrel, Gey Heron, Great White Egret, Stock Doves, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Goldfinches, Blackbird, Dunnock, Greenfinch and Tufted duck.

33 sightings and 2 important heard but not seen. Also, 3 identified Dragonflies.

Another good day out.

Judith Goodings