H Darren, I spent some good years near you when I was in the Army,i was also married in York, however Fairburn is a place I used to visit regular ,more some just up the road at lyn dyke ,hope I have spelt it correct ,plenty of Great crested grebes and little Grebes there and at the reserve their is a spacious car park and if you want to get their early you can park at the side of the road and walk in ,a couple of good hides for garden birds woodpeckers etc,and a dedicated Kingfisher screen ,a good circular walk around the reserve as well,Thier is Brown hares knocking around as well ,a good café as well .Well worth a visit