Appeal by nature reserve

This summer, RSPB (the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Fairburn Ings is celebrating its 60th year as a designated nature reserve and is asking all visitors, old and new, to share their experiences and memories of the site.

From July there will be a display in the visitor centre, with blank memory cards for people to fill in.

These cards will then be displayed in the centre. Some of the memories collected will create a new totem pole installation on the reserve’s Coal Tips trail.

Abbie Sellers, visitor experience officer, said: “Fairburn Ings is a truly magical place. Developed from what once looked like a mining moonscape, the wildlife attracted to here is brilliant. However, the buzz you feel around the discovery trail and visitor centre is really inspiring.

“Children clanking pond dipping nets and the squeals of excitement of den making really are the first nature memories they won’t forget.”

In 1957, thanks to the efforts of campaigning local naturalists, what was once a coal mine was designated and protected as a nature reserve. It is now one of the biggest and most biodiverse in Yorkshire. Over the years, under the RSPB’s management, staff and volunteers have seen the site develop even further as an extremely important rest site for migrating birds. It also offers a place for children to learn about the natural world.

A guided walk at 1pm on June 24 will give people an opportunity to share memories.