Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve

Thorpe Marsh is located on flat land near the River Don, next to disused Thorpe Marsh Power Station. A main feature is the unimproved pasture with 'ridge and furrow' drainage dating back over 100 years.  They are typical of the poorly drained lowland grassland, once common in this area.

Having been undisturbed for so long they have a rich flora. On the drier 'ridges' frequent species are pepper saxifrage, sneezewort and great burnet. In the wetter 'furrows' tubular water-dropwort is common. Scattered hawthorn scrub has invaded the grassland and provides feeding and nesting sites for linnet, redpoll, greenfinch and whitethroat.

The railway embankment was built from limestone ballast and covered with furnace ash. Dense scrub has become established and goldcrest, long-tailed tit and willow warbler may often be heard. Where the scrub opens out wild carrot, cowslip and common spotted-orchid can be found amongst the rough grass. The latter is a spectacular sight in June/July.

The lake was excavated to provide clay for a bund around the ash tip. Its young reedbeds and new woodland fringe is becoming an attractive area for wildfowl and waders. Large flocks of fieldfares are often seen in winter. Green woodpeckers are seen on most days. Over 15 species of butterfly have been recorded, including speckled wood.

The pastures are grazed mainly by a local farmer's cattle, although one field is cut for hay.

Directions

The reserve is five miles north of Doncaster, one and a half miles west from the village of Barnby Dun. There is limited parking on Marsh Lane, with access via the bridleway, or at Norwood Pumping Station gate.