How to get there

• Barbrook Pools are situated approximately 6 miles south-west of the city centre, between the A621 Sheffield - Bakewell and B6054 Owler Bar - Fox House roads (click here for Ordnance Survey map).
• The area can be found on Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet 119 and Outdoor Leisure Map Peak District - White Peak (OL24).

Overview

The former reservoir was drained in the early part of this century, leaving a number of small, reedy pools rather than a 30 acre sheet of water visible for miles, and a birding site which is a shadow of its former self. However, its location on the moorland fringe, and the surrounding Big Moor, mean that it still holds some attraction, particularly for migrant birds (site map).

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Facilities

There are no facilities on the site itself, but the Fox House pub is nearby, as is the Peacock at Owler Bar.

Likely species

Spring migration often produces early records of Wheatear and Whinchat, and the area is good for Stonechat throughout the year. This is a good time to see Common Sandpiper, and the commoner passage waders , such as Dunlin , Ringed Plover and Whimbrel, may be seen. Migrating duck such as Wigeon and Shelduck may put down briefly, but rarely linger. The moorland is worth a look for raptors, with recent records of Marsh Harrier and Osprey at this time.

Autumn migration starts in early August, with Green Sandpiper possible at this time, and commoner waders passing through in small numbers. As the season progresses, the first parties of Pink footed Geese are seen on clear mornings. Although not as productive as some other visible migration sites, good numbers of Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Starling and winter thrushes can be seen, and the site has an enviable record of Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting records in late autumn. From October on/wards, raptors are a major attraction, with Merlin and Hen Harrier passing through, and occasionally wintering, and regular sightings of Peregrine.

Late winter sees returning skeins of grey geese, and the chance of parties of Whooper Swan.

All birds can be seen from the path that runs along the eastern perimeter fence of the old reservoir and, for passerines, by viewing the shelter belts and fences around Bar Brook Cottage and the former treatment works. Birds of prey can be seen anywhere on Big Moor, but the moorland north-west of the pools can be particularly productive

Click here for recent site records.

Nearby sites

Padley Gorge is recommended in Spring for Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Tree Pipit, the adjacent Longshaw Estate holds the same species as well as Green Woodpecker, and in Sheffield the Ecclesall Woods area boasts a heronry and a good range of woodland birds.

Ron Blagden