The weather continues to be a bit changeable in the Aire Valley - but as we move into summer we're excited to have more of our facilities open, and more events and activities planned!
We want everyone who visits us to be able to do so safely and comfortably, so please continue to follow all current Government guidance around face coverings, social distancing, group sizes and hygiene as well as following signage on-site. Thank you!
For the latest RSPB Covid-19 updates please visit: http://bit.ly/ReservesCovidUpdates
Events and Activities
Big Wild Summer is here! For more information about family activities and trails this summer at both of our sites, check out the Big Wild Summer site for updates and information: https://events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer
We're also looking forward to some guided walks with our resident experts at Fairburn Ings this month - join Jane on a lunchtime stroll to learn more about our resident wildflowers; or take an early morning walk with Andy for some top tips on identifying birds and other wildlife. Pre-booking for all of our guided walks is essential - please see the links below for available dates, more information, and to book tickets.
Wildflower Walks with Jane: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/162157313891
Birding for Beginners with Andy: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/159848602473
Opening Hours and Facilities - Fairburn Ings
The Fairburn Ings shop is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, and takeaway refreshments are available - our new range of sandwiches from the Real Wrap Company has been going down a storm, and we also have the usual selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
All visitors coming into the shop will be asked to wear a face covering, and to either use the NHS Test and Trace app to check-in or to leave contact details. We are following strict data protection guidelines, so we will hold personal details securely, only release to the NHS if necessary, and securely destroy after 21 days. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe.
Our car park is open daily (6am- 8pm) and trails are open as normal – please follow the one-way system around the Discovery Trail to help with social distancing.
Our toilets, accessible toilets and baby change are open daily, 9.30am - 5pm. We ask that all visitors, except those who are exempt from doing so, wear a face-covering in our toilets.
Mobility scooters are available for hire from the Visitor Centre, but these must be booked in advance – please contact the reserve office on 01977 628194.
Our hides are open, with the exception of Lin Dike Hide - we ask visitors to wear a face covering in hides and to give other visitors some space. Our picnic area and den building area are also open, but our pond dipping and duck feeding platforms remain closed.
Opening Hours and Facilities - St Aidan’s
At St Aidan's we are offering a take away refreshment service from the Visitor Centre entrance, daily from 9.30am to 5pm. As well as our new range of sandwiches from the Real Wrap Company, we have the usual selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Please note that we will be accepting card payments only. All visitors coming into the visitor centre will be asked to wear a face covering, and to either use the NHS Test and Trace app to check-in or to leave contact details. We are following strict data protection guidelines, so we will hold personal details securely, only release to the NHS if necessary, and securely destroy after 21 days. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe.
The car park is open daily (6am- 8pm), and trails are open daily as normal.
Our toilets, located in the car park, are open daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Accessible toilets and baby change are located in the visitor centre - if you require the use of these facilities during your visit, please ask a member of staff or call the centre on 0113 232 0529. We ask that all visitors, except those who are exempt from doing so, wear a face-covering in our toilets.
Mobility scooters are available for hire, but these must be booked in advance – please contact the Visitor Centre on 0113 232 0529.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Aire Valley!