POTTERIC CARR
Mining subsidence has created one of North’s best reserves
HERE WE HAVE another great wetland saved from agriculture by subsidence from past mining activity. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been involved in the 600-plus acre complex since 1968. The site attracted public attention in 1984, when a pair of Little Bitterns bred. The many hides and walk ways give you easy access to watch for wildlife with added feeders and management which have attracted many passage waders, including Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Phalarope, Wood, Curlew, Green and Common Sandpipers. Islands allow Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls to nest along with waders, such as Avocet and Little Ringed Plover, not forgetting Lapwing and also Oystercatcher. The reedbeds have large numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers along with a few pairs of Cetti’s Warblers. Marsh Harriers bred for the first time in 2014, with passage Hen and Pallid Harrier being recorded along with Hobby, Osprey and breeding Buzzards. Long-legged birds such as Crane, Great White and Little Egret, White Stork and Glossy Ibis have been seen. Firecrest, Yellow-browed Warbler and two Black Redstarts were found in November 2016.