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St Aidens An Initial Response

redwolf
05/03/2014 02:54
Today i visited St Aidens for the first time, officially closed i parked on the road and set off. Almost as soon As I had arrived by the huge and intimidating mining relic I noticed a pair of carrion crows, one was mobbing a red kite and the other mobbing a female kestrel. As i watched I couldn't help but think what a wonderful welcome they'd decided to give me. bombing and diving as they showed their fear/irritation at the raptors presence, This place reminds me of a huge crater It is immense, a vast area of bog, lake, rough grass, infant woodland and dykes. The kestrel reappeared high behind me stationary against the wind while its mate hovered below me showing its beautiful back colouring. This place has Huge potential its going be a wonderful place for nature. As i wandered around I was transported back to my boyhood by the sweet trilling of the skylarks as they announced that for them at least Spring was in the air. Three threatened species in ten minutes -not bad for an old mine spoil. my visit was further enhanced by the usual wild fowl : swans tufted duck wigeon etc. Grey lags fly in and out like tornado bombers on a low flying mission honking and cackling as they go. A huge heron, cormorants and what looked like doves in the mining machinery. Yes I had a great time and i only explored a fraction of this exciting place. Did I mention the amazing views? You can see for miles and miles. Lets get it reopened and functioning as soon as possible -its new place of extra ordinary potential and i look forward to seeing it develop. Now what volunteering can i do to help St Aidens become of national importance?
  • 05/03/2014 03:08

    Redwolf - I can't agree with you more and what a fabulous description you give of the place.  I went to St Aidan's in June last year when it first opened as an RSPB reserve (and before it shut down again).  I had hardly got through the gate when I saw a little owl sat on a post and kestrels nesting in the mining equipment.  The fields were full of orchids and other wild flowers, there were sand martins nesting in the banks of the lake, terns on the water etc, etc etc.

    It really was a lovely place and I was so sorry when it closed down as an RSPB reserve.  I do hope they get it opened properly again before too long.  Did you manage to find somewhere to park without too much difficulty?

    See my Flickr photos here

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/

     

  • 05/03/2014 03:23 in reply to ChristineB

    Hi Christine

    Thankyou the place inspired me!! i think the scale of the place took my breath away !

    yes i just parked on the road a little way up from the entrance-all the walks and paths are viable its just the car park and centre that are closed- but I think i will need many more days to explore it all properly.

  • 05/03/2014 03:28 in reply to redwolf

    Hi Redwolf - thanks for the info - I hope you get to visit the reserve again soon. I live in nottinghamshire but my parents live in Yorkshire just five miles away from St Aidans and I was hoping to make it a bit of a regular and pop in whenever I'm visiting.

    See my Flickr photos here

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/

     

  • 05/03/2014 03:31 in reply to redwolf

    The area has had a good bird list over many years,I went to the patch next door,Swillington Ings,many times had some really good birds.It does seem as though there is a load of legal stuff to be sorted out before the Society moves back in but often the Fairburn Ings crew are around at St,Aidens and they seem hopeful of an early settlement.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • 05/03/2014 03:34 in reply to Seaman

    Thankyou Seaman Lets hope its sooner rather than later.

  • 05/03/2014 03:40 in reply to redwolf

    Hello Redwolf and a warm welcome from me too (in Cheshire).   Your visit to St. Aidens reserve was interesting to read about, sounds like a great place with some very nice species of birds.   Hope you get to visit it again soon and if you have a camera we would love to see any photos you may wish to post up :)  

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    Regards, Hazel