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Our work here
16 December 2009
Fairburn Ings protects a complex of wetland habitats created by subsidence in a former coal mining area.
They include open water, wet grassland, reedbed and wet woodland. Other habitats, including dry grassland, deciduous woodland and lagoons, have been restored on the former coal spoil heaps.
The reserve is important for waterfowl and waders, farmland birds and other wildlife. The RSPB is working to maintain and enhance biodiversity, while developing the reserve as a local centre for nature conservation and environmental education.
Grassland gains
Wet grassland on the reserve supports breeding waders such as lapwings, redshanks, snipe and curlews, and is important for breeding and wintering wildfowl - especially gadwalls. We are managing this habitat by grazing it with cattle and maintaining the high water levels.
We plan to restore more grassland by cropping for hay and cutting back scrub.
Making water work
Our freshwater system holds breeding wildfowl, water voles and other wildlife.
We are coppicing willows to enhance the fen vegetation around open water areas. We are also maintaining islands and rafts used by water birds, including breeding common terns.
We are expanding the reedbed for the benefit of birds such as breeding reed buntings and wintering bitterns, as well as harvest mice and invertebrates.
Restorations
We are working with our partners to manage the restored coal tip. Measures include mowing and grazing the dry grassland to help breeding skylarks, grey partridges and lapwings; improving the shingle around lagoons for breeding little ringed plovers, ringed plovers and lapwings; and enhancing the farmland areas for passerines such as tree sparrows and linnets.
We are also improving water control, introducing fencing, conducting patrols, and monitoring plants and invertebrates.
Reaching people
The reserve attracts up to 100,000 visitors per year. Its popularity helps us get across key conservation messages to the public and demonstrate best practice management to target audiences.
We are working to develop our excellent visitor facilities, maintain good relations with the local community and increase our advisory potential. Our programme of lifelong learning includes environmental education for visiting schools. We are also continuing to develop our voluntary wardening scheme.
How you can help
We need your support to continue our work
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