Description
Shaped by a long history of coal mining, Fairburn Ings protects a mixture of habitats. Wetland areas created by subsidence include open water, wet grassland, reedbed and wet woodland. While other habitats, including dry grassland, deciduous woodland and lagoons, have been restored on the former coal spoil tips. Wet grassland on the reserve supports breeding waders such as Nagâț, Fluierar cu picioare roșii, Becațină comună and Culic mare, and is important for breeding and wintering wildfowl - especially Rață pestriță. There are islands where Chiră de baltă breed and reedbeds for the benefit of birds such as breeding Presură de stuf and Buhai de baltă. Also Prundăraș gulerat mic, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Pescăraș albastru, Ciocârlie and Potârniche breed in the area.
Details
Access
From the A1(M) leave at J42, take the A63 towards Leeds, follow signs for Fairburn on the A1246. From the M1 come off at J47. Take the A656 south towards Castleford, after 4 miles turn left onto Newton Lane, the visitor centre is 2 miles along the road on the right. There is also a smaller parking at Arrow Lane. Click on a P in the map to get directions to the parking of your choice. There are 5 different trails you can explore and many bird hides and viewpoints. The route on the map below is a combination of these trails that is about 12 km.

