Meeting Point: Unless things change, meet in the lay-by just off the A6195 marked on the map below as Park for Edderthorpe Flash. Time: 09:30 Lunch: bring hot drink and packed lunch unless you want to ‘waste’ time in the excellent cafe at Old Moor. Transport: Members cars Cost: free Leader: Martin Kaye Numbers Limit: None.
Old Moor is part of a complex of reserves known as the Dearne valley. Old Moor itself is the main reserve boasting 7 hides + 2 viewing screens, an excellent shop and a cafe. All flat, easy going. Has all round interest but particularly good for water birds with the possibility of Bearded Tits and a Bittern. However, the intention is to start at Edderthorpe Flash (although this might change depending on where the birds have landed). Edderthorpe is north of Old Moor and often has a lot of waders.
Directions One hour 15 minutes easy drive from Chesterfield up the M1 to junction 36. Then follow A6195 signed to Doncaster counting 10 roundabouts (not including Junction 36) with brown signs to RSPB Old Moor. At the last roundabout (the 10th) where the brown sign indicates a right turn to Old Moor on the A633, continue up the A6195 and turn left at the second traffic island after the Old Moor turn (which is still the A6195). Continue along this road across another traffic island to a lay-by on the left after less than 1/2 a mile from this last island.
To view the reserve, pick your way through the litter down onto the dismantled railway line from which one can see Edderthorpe Flash (scope useful if you have one).
We’ll then move on to Old Moor (S73 0YF) unless there are more attractive offerings at Wombwell Ings or Broomhill Flash (see map).
