Join us for "A Flock of Stories" performed by Chol Theatre and performances by Rockingham Brass Band, alongside learning about the heritage of the Dearne Valley and the wildlife which thrives here today.
Your ticket includes:
"A Flock of Stories" performed by Chol Theatre and Arts Company. The 45 minute performance is written from the stories and memories of local people living and working in the Dearne Valley over the last 50 years. Bring a chair, refreshments available, or you are welcome to bring a picnic Chol Theatre and Arts | Where everything is possible (wearechol.co.uk) The performance will be 7- 7:45pm.
Performances from Rockingham Brass Band (originally a colliery band). Rockingham | UK | Rockingham Band. Band performances will be 6:20-6:50pm and 7:55 to 8:25pm.
National Coal Mining Museum stall for you and your family to imagine life and work down the pits.
Heritage exhibition in our Activity Zone, including the interviews which informed "Flock of Stories" and share your own stories of the Dearne Valley, bringing along any photos or items you'd like to share.
Discover and learn about Old Moor's wildlife.
Spend an evening at our reserve, afterhours (free parking).
Our café will be open and serving food 6-8pm and our shop will be open 6-8:30pm.
This evening might open your eyes to the history of the Dearne Valley and show you another side to our reserves. RSPB Old Moor didn’t always look like this: coal mining was central to the communities in the Dearne Valley. There were 5 pit heads within a two-mile radius of Old Moor, parts of Old Moor were a coal stacking area during the war and the wooded banks to the north of Old Moor and Bolton Ings reserves are slag heaps. Wath Ings, the original area which attracted local bird watchers and led to the creation of Old Moor by locals and Barnsley Council, appeared due to mining subsidence. The pit closures, and the strikes and picket lines, changed the landscape forever and Old Moor as we see it today developed from Wath Ings as part of the area’s regeneration.
Under 5s are free
RSPB Old Moor is South Yorkshire’s best kept secret: a place to spot some wonderful nature, explore and discover with the kids or just walk around in peace and quiet. There’s lots to do as a family with our new sensory garden, our playground, wild play areas and pond dipping (Easter to October). Or, discover a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy nature and take a breather; you could even try our Natural Wellbeing trail. Stop off at the café for hot food, cake and enjoy a hot drink with a view on our balcony with stunning views across the reserve. Our shop sells a fantastic range of gifts for all ages, wrapping paper and cards and wildlife care products so you can create a nature haven in your own outdoor space and join us in giving nature a home.
Car parking is free.
Accessibility: Old Moor is on the Trans-Pennine Trail so is very accessible locally via foot or bike. Our paths are wheelchair and pushchair friendly and we have mobility scooters available to pre-book for your visit. We have accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are welcome in the courtyard but not on the reserve itself.
RSPB membership: the wildlife conservation work of the RSPB is possible because of the financial support from our members. Members receive complementary free access to our 200+ nature reserves throughout the UK, including Old Moor, a quarterly magazine about the RSPB's work and discounted ticket prices for our events. You can find out more here: Join us - RSPB Membership or talk to our friendly team at Old Moor before or after the event.