Days out: RSPB Old Moor nature reserve

Highlights during the summer include,

dragonflies such as migrant hawkers hunting over the wildlife pools; marsh orchids flowering in the meadow; lapwing chicks exploring pool edges; dozens of common blue butterflies flitting around; little or great crested grebes carrying their stripy chicks on their backs and mute swans with fluffy cygnets. Try to spot a water vole feeding or hear it go plop as it swims away

Don’t think you have to be a wildlife expert to enjoy Old Moor though, everyone is welcome and throughout the year there is a packed programme of events.

Through the guided walks and family activities you are sure to learn something new and it’s recommended that you set aside at least three hours to really enjoy your visit at the reserve.

However, if you want to sample the home cooking in the café and pick up some souvenirs from the on-site shop you might want to spend a little longer.

As well as the public viewing areas, there are also dedicated photography points around the site to ensure that budding and professional photographers alike can get that perfect shot.

On the website, there are daily posts about what wildlife has been spotted.

This week early birders, recorded 35 little egret, seven green sandpipers, three common sandpipers, a single golden plover, a snipe, a dunlin, three lesser whitethroat and 385 lapwing.

FACTFILE

Prices: Adult £5, Children £2.50, Family £11, Concessions £3.50

Opening Times: 9.30am – 5pm (Visitor Centre) Reserve open until 8pm until October

Attraction Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor

Telephone: 01226 751593

Sat Nav: S73 0YF

For more days out see www.yorkshire.com