All those years ago when Old Moor was little more than a dream – the thought that avocets would hatch young at the South Yorkshire wetland wasn’t quite beyond expectations (I recall conversations that they just could colonise the middle of the country) but nobody was counting their, erm, chickens.
Well with news that there are now young avocets at Old Moor – the vision, passion and sheer bloody-mindedness of lots of people should be celebrated. Is there anywhere with more people per square mile that have stepped up for nature over decades than the Dearne Valley? Go on then – that sounds like a bit of a challenge, any other nominations?
The progress the RSPB has been able to make at Old Moor and in the Dearne Valley are a relative recent parts of a much longer story – the drive to protect these wetlands came from local people, local birders who looked past the industrial landscape and fought (sometimes literally fought) for the future of their special places.
If you can dedicate an avocet – I would, to those guys who made it all possible.
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Beautiful! I live 5 minutes from Old Moor, and if it wasnt for those people my life would be completely different! The chicks are very cute! :) Ive been to Mull, to Aviemore, and to Norfolk, yet Old Moor is my faviourite place in the world!