For over 200 years the Lower Aire Valley between Castleford and Leeds was littered with coal mines. Scores of them.
Later the area became the site of one of the largest opencast coal mines in the country. As a student I worked there during my summer vacations. It was hard work but I enjoyed it and I had some interesting experiences, including when I helped to blow up some rocks to expose the coal seams.
The mining ceased 20 years ago leaving a scarred landscape and a redundant dragliner called Oddball.
Now the site is home to R.S.P.B. St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A miraculous transformation has taken place that has created a wonderful place to visit.
The reserve has a variety of environments and wildlife to discover. Its extensive reedbeds and wetlands provide homes for Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, Water Rails, Avocets and many other birds. There are acres of wildflowers as well.
Exploring the reserve is easy. Most of the reserve is flat and there are 12 miles of paths that you can walk or cycle along. If you do visit remember to bring your camera and binoculars.
Not surprisingly the site is hugely popular. I spent a wonderful day there capped off by eating fish ‘n’ chips from Swillington whilst I sat by the banks of the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal.
Wonderful.
Gordon's Gubbins. 