From dramatic chalk cliffs to repurposed open cast mines, RSPB’s nature reserves offer a wealth of variety.
Summer’s great, but there’s something so charming about an autumn walk. The sun shining on you on a crisp day, the golden hues of the trees and that tell-tale crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. You can embrace the beauty of autumn at your local RSPB nature reserve. Here are five of the best within reach of Leeds.
RSPB St Aidan’s
Credit: RSPB
Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Leeds, St Aidan’s is a stunning place to explore on an autumn day. Formerly an open cast mine, it’s been transformed into a reserve that’s teeming with wildlife.
Cycle through woodland, walk across meadows and wander past wetlands, keeping an eye out for everything from kestrels to black-headed gulls. There’s one more thing to keep an eye out for – Oddball, the huge dragline excavator that sits next to the visitor centre. Taking the pup? Dogs on leads are welcome on the public footpaths and bridleways.
There’s plenty going on over autumn too, like the sensory walk – a chance to fully engage your senses and find peace in nature – and the goose roost, where you can witness the unforgettable spectacle of geese flying overhead as the sun sets or rises.
St Aidan’s Nature Reserve, Astley Lane, Great Preston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 8AL.
RSPB Fairburn Ings
Credit: RSPB
Head out to Castleford to discover Fairburn Inns, another former coal face that now offers a vital habitat for a wealth of wildlife. This ex-industrial site is rich in heritage, but today provides space for breeding and wintering wildfowl.
There’s everything from open water and seedbeds to deciduous woodland and lagoons, home to creatures of all shapes and sizes. In recent years some of Britain’s rarest birds have been spotted at the site, like the bittern, bearded tit and little egret.
Fancy learning more about the site’s transformation? Head to one of their history walks to discover all about the area’s rich industrial past, what it takes to rewild a site like this and many other secrets!
RSPB Fairburn Ings, Newton Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 2BH.
RSPB Old Moor
Credit: RSPB
Out in Barnsley, RSPB Old Moor is a family-friendly nature reserve that’s brimming with wildlife. It’s a haven for wetlands, giving you plenty of chance to spot kingfishers and even hear the boom of the rare bittern.
Head out on a peaceful walk, go pond-dipping to learn about underwater life or keep an eye out for graceful barn owls as they swoop across the reedbeds and meadows. As winter arrives, so do vast flocks of ducks and geese.
With an adventure playground and wild play areas, it’s an ideal spot for a visit with the kids. Be sure to visit The Lookout, a hide designed specifically for families, and hire a discovery backpack to help spark their curiosity!
RSPB Old Moor Lane, Wombwell, Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 0YF.
RSPB Sherwood Forest
Credit: RSPB
Sherwood Forest might just be one of the RSPB’s most well-known reserves, made famous by Nottingham’s very own Robin Hood. The former royal hunting ground is an ancient and beautiful landscape, perfect for autumn wanders.
The forest is packed full of ancient oak trees, some over 1,000 years old. It’s a haven for wildlife, especially rare and endangered insects like the bright red cardinal beetle. Once dark falls, you might even spot a bat or a glow worm!
One of the most fascinating ways to explore the forest is on a Myths and Legends walk. You’ll follow William De Tankerville as he takes you on a tour of the woods, sharing fascinating tales of medieval life.
RSPB Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9QB.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Credit: RSPB
A drive out to the Yorkshire coast always delivers views in spades, and Bempton Cliffs is no different. These towering chalk cliffs overlook the North Sea, providing a habitat for seabirds like puffins and guillemots.
Visit between March and October to witness one of the UK’s most thrilling wildlife spectacles, as half a million birds gather on the cliffs to breed and raise a family. You can even hop on a boat from Bridlington Harbour to see them from a whole new angle.
If you want to brush up on your bird watching skills, sign up to one of their fascinating birdwatching sessions. Led by an expert guide, you’ll head out on an inspiring walk where you’ll learn how to listen for and identify birds.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Cliff Lane, Bempton, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1JF.
Cover image credit: RSPB.
