Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

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 158 species of bird have been recorded. Around 70 species breed every year including kingfisher, bittern, 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 20 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.

The Trust works to maintain existing habitats and develop new ones, particularly wetlands. The reserve offers many formal and informal educational opportunities for studying, viewing and enjoying wildlife. Please visit the Discover and Learn pages to find out about visiting Potteric Carr - with over 8km of nature walks, an activity room, gift shop and Low Ellers Junction Café you can really make a day of it!

Potteric Carr day ticket admission prices:

• YWT members free
• single £3.00
• family £6.50 (a family is up to two adults and up to three children)
• concession £2.50
• child £1.50

Directions

Leave the M18 at Junction 3, then at the next roundabout take the third exit, which is signposted Potteric Carr.

The nearest railway station is Doncaster. From the Frenchgate Interchange take a bus to Woodfield Way, alighting at the B&Q. Then cross White Rose Way, taking care when crossing the road near the roundabout and walk down Mallard Way. Cross the car park to the reserve entrance in Sedum House.

For more information

To find out about more about all of the wonderful things going on at Potteric Carr take a look here.

The supporter group at Potteric Carr also keep a website with loads of up-to-date sightings. Take a look at it here.