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Category: BRITAIN
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RIVER IDLE

ENGLAND

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE and SOUTH YORKSHIRE (Bawtry), (E)

National Grid 00o54´53 W/53o27´37 N/A ha 4m, embanked river and flood plain, arable land with hedges, scrub and plantations

Anytime (many visits)

 

Birding Site Guide

From Finningley (Robin Hood Airport) head 5.5km east on Bank End Road then S 2.75km along Idle Bank to Idle Stop where it is possible to park, from here it is possible to walk along the river banks. Or from Austerfield (immediately NE of Bawtry) head out of Misson east on the lane called Top Road, taking either of the forks leads to the river bank and it is possible to follow this W back into Mission village or E to Idle stop. Also in Bawtry, 750m W of railway bridge over the main road is St. Nicholas Road on the right, follow this but where it forks take the track under the railway and park around here there are a number of paths around the rough land and scrub of the flood plain and to the river.

This is a good favourite area with local birdwatchers, anglers and walkers. Over the years it has turned up a fair share of rarities. Typical wetland birds can be found in the flood plain areas, especially in winter when large areas are allowed to flood. The many ponds hold ducks, Whooper Swans and waders such as Snipe and Redshank. In the woodlands Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawks are regular. Anything can turn up on passage. Here typical farmland birds which have disappeared in many areas may still be found, although in depleted numbers. There are flocks of finches and buntings in winter, especially in the field margins by the river. Willow Tit is quite easily found here too.

 

Author: BSG

 

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