Denaby Ings Nature Reserve

Denaby Ings straddles the old course of the River Dearne, close to the confluence of the rivers Dearne and Don. Mining in the past has led to subsidence which began in 1905 and has developed an area of open water on the reserve. The habitats found here, once seen across the Dearne valley in abundance include open water, reed beds and grassland supporting a wide range of species. The breeding bird community found on the reserve is particularly important.

The marsh populated by reed sweet-grass attracts birds like the great crested grebe, pochard and tufted duck. Reed and sedge warblers also visit this area. In spring and late summer you may catch common and black terns (both of conservation concern) on their journey from the African coast where they overwinter. Along the riverbank and an old railway embankment narrow, mixed woodland has developed. This includes species such as beech, lime and rowan, and supports many woodland birds.

Insect life on the reserve is particularly interesting since the discovery of the beetle Acrotrichis henrici in 1966 after which it was added to the British list of species. In addition the tachnid fly Rhacochlaena toxoneura was discovered, not previously seen north of Cambridge. It is due to this great diversity of species, including specialist species that has meant that Denaby Ings was awarded the status of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1977. Cattle graze the marsh, and with sheep the meadows and pasture. The water level on the reserve is also artificially managed. In the autumn the level is reduced to suit wading birds on passage, then raised the rest of the year to make it more suitable for wildfowl.

Directions

The reserve lies north-east of Mexborough in South Yorkshire. It is bounded on the west by Pastures Road (the Mexborough to High Melton road) and on the north by Pastures Lane. Directions are from the A1(M) Junction 37. Take the A635 towards Barnsley for one-and-a-half miles, to Marr. When almost through the
village take a left turn minor road signposted Mexborough. At the staggered crossroads turn left towards High Melton and almost immediately right (across double white lines) downhill towards Mexborough. Bear to the right, pass over the Old Dearne and between two parts of a disused railway line. Turn left into the car park.