John Potter
Potteric Carr
The green heart of Doncaster
Potteric Carr is a wildlife watching oasis just waiting to be explored.
Follow the trails and paths on foot or mobility scooter through woodland and around ponds. Enjoy the views as reedbeds sway gently under big open skies. Look out for the blue flash of a kingfisher dashing over the water. There's lots of pretty seasonal wildlife to spot including birds, dragonflies and fungi.
During summer, the meadows are full of butterflies and abuzz with insects, while winter brings the magic of thousands of starlings creating incredible aerial displays. Listen carefully and you might even hear the booming of the elusive bittern...
Our visitor centre and cafe is the perfect place to start, where our friendly team will help you make the most of your visit.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Potteric Carr nature reserve and visitor centre is closed on a Monday, except Bank Holidays.
The nature reserve and visitor centre is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30 to 5pm. Hot food is served until 2:30pm and the cafe closes 3.30pm. Snacks, cold drinks and ice creams available until 5pm.
Prices
- Wildlife Trust Members: Free - join us for unlimited visits to Potteric Carr nature reserve
- Adults: £6
- Aged 18 and under: Free
- Student / Disabled / Universal or Pension Credit: £4.50
Access to the visitor centre and café is free.
How to find us
Address
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
Contact
Telephone 01302 325736 Email potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk
How to get to Potteric Carr
By car
- From Doncaster take the White Rose Way (A6182), at the roundabout follow the directions for the M18. Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is signposted.
- From the A1 (southbound) come off at Junction 35 for the M18, then take Junction 3 towards Doncaster and follow signs for the A6182 (White Rose Way). At the first set of lights you reach, turn right into Mallard Way. Park at the visitor centre car park.
By public transport
- The nearest train station is Doncaster
- From here you can catch the No. 72 or 72 Park and Ride bus. Journey time approx. 10 - 15 minutes. Disembark at B&Q on White Rose Way, cross White Rose Way on foot via the pedestrian crossing points and follow the signs to Potteric Carr. Approx. 5 minute walk.
Parking
Free parking. Gates are locked at 5pm - if you would like to stay later, then please arrive before 5pm and ask at the visitor centre welcome desk.
Our café menu
Facilities
- Enjoy a proper brew with a view as well as delicious cakes, light bites, sandwiches, ice creams and our famous chip butty. Grab and go available if you just can't wait to get out and explore.
- Shop for a fabulous range of nature-inspired gifts and all important accessories including binoculars, books and gifts Browse online first.
- Access to the café, shop and nature reserve is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. People using wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility equipment can find more information about the reserve here, thanks to Accessible Nature.
- Toilets (including disabled access) and baby-change
*100% of profits from sales of refreshments and merchandise go back into wildlife conservation
Dogs
Assistance and guide dogs are welcome, but we're sorry dogs are not allowed on the reserve. It's full of very sensitive plants, fungi and wildlife, as well as grazing animals, that could easily be disturbed.
Check, clean, dry
Our nature reserves are precious places for wildlife. Please help to protect these vulnerable habitats from Invasive Non-Native Species by checking, cleaning and drying your footwear before and after your visit.’
-
Your day at Potteric Carr
Potteric Carr is bursting with places to discover and wildlife to watch, whether you've got an hour or half a day!
- Enjoy incredible birdwatching from one of our hides dotted about the reserve. Potteric Carr attracts a huge number of birds and is especially exciting during spring and autumn with migrating birds passing through. Tens of thousands of starling perform incredible aerial displays over winter - a truly magical sight!
- Walk through woodland and field edges, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, including roe deer tiptoeing through the woodlands. Our gentle cattle, sheep and ponies graze to help more wildflowers and rarer plants to flourish.
- Book on to an event, from forest tots to pond dipping, and learn about amazing creatures.
- A great place to buy binoculars, our trained team can show you the different models, or join one of our special optics demonstration days. We also stock bird seed, nest boxes and bird feeders.
- Join us on a guided walk to look for wildlife with one of our expert guides, who know all the best places to look.
Puffin - (C) Jim Highman
Help create a Yorkshire rich in wildlife
Yorkshire is home to magical wildlife and wild places. It’s undeniably special, but it’s also under serious threat.
Nature can't act to stop and reverse these trends - but together we can!
Will you join Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and make a real and lasting difference?
Restoring some of Potteric Carr’s oldest marshes
Mark Roberts, Potteric Carr’s reserve manager, talks us through some of the recent changes at Decoy Marsh and Old Eaa Marsh.
Spend some time outdoors this half term
Go in search of a wilder Yorkshire this February half-term holiday, and take the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and all of winter’s…
The Magic of Mushrooms: the Fun of Fungi at Potteric Carr
Telling our Story volunteer Sara headed to Potteric Carr this autumn for our first Fungi Fest. Read all about what she discovered on her…
One of the most beautiful and relaxing unspoiled and natural places in Doncaster! Beautiful lakes full of birdlife. Wonderful staff and a fabulous cafe and shop.
Events
Join us on an event to go even wilder at Potteric Carr. From arts and crafts to guided walks and expert talks.
Contact us for more information about nature activities for schools and groups.
Accessibility
Potteric Carr visitor centre has an accessible entrance and toilet facilities. There are a number of routes around the reserve which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The reserve can be popular with midges from late summer until mid October especially on still, damp and overcast days. We stock repellent in our shop but please be prepared.
Contact us
Phone: 01302 325736
Email: potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk
