John Potter
Potteric Carr
Doncaster's peaceful green oasis
Potteric Carr is a wildlife watching oasis just waiting to be explored.
Follow the easy 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.
Listen carefully in spring and you might hear the booming call of the elusive bittern amongst a chorus of woodland birds. Marsh harriers are frequently spotted.
In summer, the meadows are full of butterflies and abuzz with insects. Autumn brings treasures for fungi forays. Visit in winter when thousands of starlings create incredible aerial murmuration displays at dusk over golden reedbeds.
A few steps from a large car park, our visitor centre and cafe is the perfect place to start. Here our friendly team can 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 in summer (from 4th May 2026) and 9:30 to 4pm in winter (from 3rd Nov 2026)
Hot food is served until 2:30pm and the cafe closes 3.30pm. Snacks, cold drinks and ice creams available until 5pm in summer, 4pm in winter.
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.
VAT reduced pricing from 25th June to 1st September 2026:
- Adults: £5.25
- Aged 18 and under: Free
- Student / disabled / Universal or Pension Credit: £3.95
Little Explorers Lunch: £5.20
If you would like to add an optional donation of 75p to your ticket price, your support will help fund vital nature recovery work at Potteric and across Yorkshire.
How to find us including parking
Address
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
What three words ///grips.jetliner.baking
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.
- 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.
By public transport
- The nearest train station is Doncaster
- From here you can catch the X11 or 372 bus. Journey time approx. 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. 8 to 12 minute walk.
- Route of the X11 bus is Doncaster - Rossington - Hesley - Tickhill - Maltby - Rotherham Hospital - Waverley - Sheffield.
- Route of the 372 bus is Doncaster - Balby - Hexthorpe - Lakeside
- For more information look at Travel South Yorkshire webpages or Moovit.
Accessibility
Potteric Carr visitor centre has an accessible entrance and toilet facilities.
There are routes around the reserve which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. People using wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility equipment can find more information about the reserve here, thanks to Accessible Nature.
We have a tramper available for hire. It costs £8 for the full day or £4.50 for half a day (usually for 3 hours either AM or PM). It is best to book in advance by calling 01302 325736.
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.
Cafe, shop and toilets
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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.
- There are toilets and baby-change facilities at the centre.
*100% of profits from our cafe and shop support our work for wildlife.
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.’
Wildlife you could see
Potteric Carr is practically exploding with wildlife all year round. Over 230 species of birds, 28 species of butterfly and 21 species of dragonfly have been recorded here. This is alongside regularly-seen stoats, grass snakes, roe deer and a colourful array of wildflowers and fungi.
Visit the Potteric Carr Wildlife Sightings group on Facebook for the very latest news.
Bittern (c) Martin Warne - Potteric Carr
Spring
Visit in spring when it is possible to hear male bitterns make their unique, deep booming sound as they search for a mate.
Susan Bird
Summer
Pretty summertime flowers include purple loosestrife, pyramidal bee orchids and meadow crane’s-bill.
Martin Warne
Autumn
Potteric Carr’s different habitats allow hundreds of different and characterful mushrooms and toadstools to thrive.
Starlings Sturnus vulgaris Gretna Dumfries Scotland winter - David Tipling/2020VISION
Winter
Wrap up and watch starling murmurations at dusk. Visit us for peacful winter walks.
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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!
- Start in our cafe with a delicious hot and cold menu serving breakfast, lunch and cakes. All profits support our work for wildlife on the reserve.
- Walk through woodland and field edges, keeping your eyes peeled for roe deer tiptoeing through the woodlands. Our gentle cattle, sheep and ponies graze to help more wildflowers and rarer plants to flourish.
- Enjoy incredible birdwatching from one of our hides. Potteric Carr attracts a huge number of birds which are especially active in spring.
- Bring your family. Kids will love our wooden sculptures, hides and paths. There are easy going routes for a buggy or wheelchair - lots of space in the carpark, and wide, dry paths.
- Book onto an event, from yoga to pond dipping. there is something for everyone.
- Fancy a picnic? We have quiet, beautiful spots close enough to the car park but far enough away to feel immersed in nature. Pick up a sandwich to go from our cafe.
- A great place to buy binoculars and gifts, Our trained team are here to advise, or join one of our special optics demonstration days. We also stock seasonal gifts, cards and supplies to help you look after wildlife at home.
Here be dragons (and damsels)
Our blogger enjoys some close encounters with fascinating flying insects at Potteric Carr.
Amy's day out to Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Potteric Carr is a hidden gem on the edge of Doncaster, offering peaceful walks through wetlands, woodlands and wildflower meadows…
The view from here - my life changing experience as a voluntary placement
Sara, one of our Telling Our Story volunteers, spoke to Dave Shipman who at 41, swapped his 9 – 5 for a year in wellies, wildlife, and…
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.
For more information about nature activities for schools and groups please email potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk
Martin Warne
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?
Contact us
Phone: 01302 325736
Email: potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk