Fairburn IngsLocated south of Leeds next to the River Aire, Fairburn Ings is a large reserve hosting a visitor's centre, feeding station and easily accessible boardwalks. Pond-dipping is available for younger family members, and in the warmer months you can enjoy excellent views of dragonfly and darter species on the pools near the boardwalk. The woodland around the visitor centre holds resident tree sparrow and willow tit, kingfisher frequent the east end of the main lake and the river Aire, and common terns and little ringed plover can be seen in summer. Green woodpecker breed and are best seen in the young woodland around the riverside path. Walk down Lin Dyke, at the reserve's western end, in the spring or early summer and you might be lucky enough to hear the call of a cuckoo or the scratchy song of a whitethroat. Worth a visit at any time of year, the site is excellent for winter wildfowl, and is one of the most reliable sites in the region for the beautiful smew. Access is via the A1 (trickier now it's re-routed) or the A656 at Allerton Bywater. Entry is free, but there is now a small parking charge for non-members.
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