Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Potteric Carr

The reserve lies within the Potteric Carr basin, an area of low lying land to the south-east of Doncaster. Formerly largely bog and fen, it was drained in the mid-18th century for agriculture. In the 1950s mining subsidence occurred under part of the Carr and within 20 years this area had returned to its former fen conditions.

There is a wide range of wildlife on the reserve owing mainly to the diversity of habitats from open water through marsh (the largest area of reedbeds in South Yorkshire) to scrub and mature woodland. Over 150 species of bird have been recorded, and around 99 species have bred in the last 40 years – very unusual for an inland site. Around 70 species breed every year including kingfisher, grasshopper, reed and sedge warblers, all three woodpeckers and woodcock. 

Marsh plants include great spearwort, lesser water-plantain, lesser reedmace, greater tussock sedge, purple small reed, great water dock, yellow-wort and traveller’s-joy. Twenty eight species of butterfly have been recorded including comma, gatekeeper, white-letter hairstreak, purple hairstreak and brown argus. Of the 19 species of dragonfly which have been recorded, 17 are known to have bred. Recent newcomers include black-tailed skimmer, banded demoiselle, hairy dragonfly, broad-bodied chaser and ruddy darter.

Reserve Management

Aims to:

• Maintain existing habitats and develop new ones, particularly wetlands
• Develop reed fen habitats
• Maintain habitat diversity
• Provide the public and schools with opportunities for studying, viewing and enjoying wildlife
• Promote involvement in wildlife protection

Facilities

• Permissive footpaths
• Waymarked routes
• Thirteen viewing hides
• Approx. 11kms of footpaths
• Access is by permit for which there is a charge. This is a condition to meet obligations to Network Rail (because of live railway lines on the site) and on no account should visitors cross railway lines if they are not in possession of a valid permit (fine £200).
• Car park
• Wheelchair access (11⁄4 miles of footpaths and three hides)
• Field Centre (open Sundays, and other times)  
• Toilets at Field Centre

Entrance

If you are a member of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust entry to Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is now FREE!

Please note: There is no longer an annual ticket for non members. For more information on this please call 01302 570077 or email potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk

Borough Treasures

Borough Treasures is a scheme for over 60s who live in Doncaster.  As a member you can take advantage of great discounts and free entry to some of the Borough’s top attractions including Potteric Carr Nature Reserve!

Downloads

Clck here to download a PDF of the reserve card, including a map of the reserve.
Click here to download a PDF of the reserve leaflet.

Website

www.potteric-carr.org.uk