Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

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POTTERIC CARR is Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserve and the largest of 80 reserves owned or leased by YWT. It attracts over 33,000 visitors each year and is situated about two miles from the centre of Doncaster, close to the M18 and A1M motorways. Its wide range of habitats from open water and marsh to grassland and woodland, covering an area of about 203 ha (500 acres), give it a rich diversity of wildlife. In addition, Potteric Carr's footpaths through attractive scenery make it an ideal venue for all kinds of visitors ranging from those who simply enjoy a walk in the outdoors to the nature enthusiast and wildlife photographer. All ability facilities include a shop, 14 observation hides (three non-wheelchair access), a network of surfaced paths, a sensory garden, toilets and a café.

Since 1968, 229 bird species have been recorded on the Reserve, 102 of which are known to have bred - warblers (including Cetti's Warbler), woodpeckers (all three species), Willow Tit, Kingfisher, Little Ringed Plover, Avocet, Oystercatcher, ducks (including Pochard), grebes (including Black-necked Grebe) and Water Rail. Wintering birds include Bittern, wildfowl and large flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover. There is a large insect fauna, including 21 species of dragonfly (of which 17 species are known to have bred); 29 species of butterfly including Brown Argus and Purple Hairstreak; a large population of Moths with 741 species recorded and a wide range of other insects including many key species. 97 species of spider have also been recorded. Mammals include Harvest Mouse, Roe Deer and Water Vole. The Reserve also has extensive lists of fungi and flora including a number of uncommon species. Further details can be found on the relevant Species List pages.

   

Left, Fen Orb web Spider Araneus marmoratus var. pyramidatus © Allan Parker ARPSand right, Nursery Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis © Derek Bateson.

 

Day ticket 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.   Annual pass YWT members free. (Not available to non-members). The Reserve is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Please obtain your ticket or sign in on arrival. Groups of ten or more should book before visiting. The Reserve entrance is close to the motorway system, only one kilometre from Jct 3 of the M18. The Sedum House car park is locked at 5pm, but visitors can park in the overflow car park if leaving the Reserve after that time. The need to carry a ticket or pass is a condition imposed by the YWT to meet its obligations to Network Rail (due to live railway lines on the site) and visitors must not cross railway lines if they are not in possession of a valid ticket or pass.

Potteric Carr has around 8 km of paths (5 km accessible to wheelchairs, unassisted), 14 viewing hides (11 suitable for the disabled) and a Field Centre with café, which opens daily and where a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals are available (menu on café page). Toilets are situated at the entrance reception (Sedum House), in the Field Centre (during café opening times), and outside the Field Centre. Enquiries:

Guide Dogs (only) are welcome ¦ Mobility Scooters are welcome ¦ No Cycling

The Café is open daily from 10am to 4pm

Last serving of hot meals in the café is 3pm. Local produce and fair trade options are used whenever possible.