Old Moor is a wetland reserve sited on an old colliery. Regenerating the South Yorkshire coalfield is not an easy task but unlike other local attractions that received lottery and other funding (eg the ill-fated Earth Centre at Conisborough) Old Moor has succeeded in bringing people into the area.
It's said that some twitchers are bit sniffy about Old Moor: the cafe, well maintained footpaths and hides and shop are just not hair shirt enough! Old Moor is actually a good local attraction and it is true that the RSPB have spent money and time on facilities to attract the wider public - the restored farm buildings, well appointed shop and excellent cafe mean that even when the birds don't feel like strutting their stuff there are still things to do.
The cafe is also very good - hearty fare at reasonable prices. Oh, and I gather that most of the rarer birds frequent Broomhill, the less obvious part of the reserve across the road (where you can also spot the twitchers). read more