Reserve Closure
This reserve will close at 1pm on Wednesday 18th September for an all staff meeting. It will reopen as normal on Thursday 19th September.
Dearne Valley – Old Moor
Barnsley and RotherhamClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesChase a butterfly in our meadow blooming with wildflowers, watch for the blue flash of a Kingfisher or borrow a pond dipping kit to see what creatures lurk beneath.
About
Wander through wetland habitats at Old Moor, stopping to take in sweeping views from the hides, Kingfisher-spotting opportunities and the chance to hear the elusive Bittern boom. This family-friendly nature reserve is teeming with wildlife. Enjoy idyllic walks, wildlife watching, pond-dipping plus an adventure playground for kids.
In spring, Great Crested Grebes put on a show for mating season, while summer sees the meadow come alive with orchids, wildflowers and butterflies. In autumn, look out for Barn Owls swooping across the reedbeds and meadows. The winter months bring vast flocks of ducks and geese including Wigeons (listen out for their whistling call), and birds of prey which send them scattering into the sky.
Old Moor is a brilliant reserve for little ones, with an adventure playground, wild play areas and The Lookout, a hide especially designed for families. You can hire discovery backpacks and we have family trails and activity sheets. From April to the end of October you can also hire pond dipping kits.
Find our downloadable trail maps below, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
This is a great location to spot Kingfishers
The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.
Read more about how we are working protect these birds and defend their habitats:
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Find out about school visits
Contact Dearne Valley – Old Moor
old.moor@rspb.org.uk schoolbookings@rspb.org.uk Dearne Valley - Old Moor, Old Moor Lane Wombwell, Barnsley, Barnsley, S73 0YF 01226 751593