Features
Lunch with Wildlife at RSPB Old Moor
From the end of March, families and children will be able to indulge their senses over dinner at RSPB Old Moor, as a new,
permanent wildlife sculpture and picnic trail opens to the public. South Yorkshire Artist,
Andrew Frost, has been working
on six pieces, using a chainsaw to transform abandoned tree trunks into totems and picnic tables featuring the wildlife of
the area.
Imagine dining alongside dragonflies, feeding amongst wildflowers and resting by the reed bed… The trail will lead visitors around a variety of habitats on the reserve, including a traditional wildflower meadow, reed bed and wet grassland, giving a snapshot of the declining natural heritage of Britain that the RSPB helps to protect. The sculptural pieces also represent residents of Old Moor such as the water vole, smooth newt and
Julia Makin visitor officer says: 'This will be such a great feature in summer. Much of the nature in this area really gets going when the weather is good, and for visitors this usually means good weather for picnics too. It really is possible to observe wildlife close-up while you’re snacking on sandwiches.'
'The trail itself is a triumph. Each piece tells the story of what you might find in the area so families can discover for themselves what else might be living and feeding there. The perfect way to wile away an afternoon.'
RSPB Old Moor is situated on Old Moor Lane, off Manvers Way, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF
Open all year round except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
1 November to 31 January from 9.30am – 4 pm.
1 February to 31 October from 9.30am – 5 pm.
For more information contact Julia Makin, RSPB Old Moor visitor officer, on 01226 273837 and 07876 046559; or Alissa Cook, RSPB Regional Communications Manager, on 07834 257123.
Notes: From 6 April, watervoles will be protected against being killed, injured, or taken from the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The RSPB, working with partners and supporters, aims to transform the Dearne Valley into a nationally important wildlife area that can be enjoyed by all.
Through large-scale investment, we can restore the natural landscape, provide new leisure facilities and create learning and training opportunities for local communities.
This has been made possible with funding from many sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Yorkshire Forward and WREN.
