RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor — Attraction in Barnsley

To get to the RSPB Old Moor at Dearne Valley it is well signposted from all around. This was my first visit, and it was a nice surprise. There is a reasonable size free car park. On walking to the entrance, you have two options the visitor centre/café or the actual nature reserve. Since I wanted to visit the nature reserve, I cannot talk about the café at all. if you are not an RSPB member you pay an entrance fee. Currently £5.00. However, if I tell you that to be an RSPB member the fee is £5 per month for 1 or 2 adults or better still £6 for 2 adults and up to 5 children. So, if you are interested visiting any of RSPB premises at all, particularly with a friend then being a member is a no brainer. Also, it’s not much money to support a good cause. The staff on site all appeared to be volunteers who were approachable, knowledgeable and their friendly spirit meant you could ask them anything to make your visit more enjoyable The reserve is not just about birds but ALL nature. At the entrance cabin there is a map which made for interesting reading as it had notes of lots of things you could see on the reserve. I apologise for the photo of the map, but the information provided is fantastic, unfortunately the Perspex sheet casts a shadow (zoom in on the picture for the text to become clearer). The reserve is for all ages and abilities. Access was available for wheelchair access including toilet facilities. To support your visit, you can hire binoculars. I also so saw available nets for examining pond life and information sheets about all sorts of relevant wildlife. You can walk quite a distance around the reserve. With some areas having high trees I did get disorientated for a short while. What surprised me the most was the number of hides available to use and how big they were accommodate the public watching the wildlife/birds. Because of the varied landscape it allows for different wildlife to live in different parts of the reserve, so again ask the volunteers if you are interested in seeing something that particularly interests you. I know very little about birds and when I got home, I examined the photos I took and learnt the names of several species. I was also surprised when I totalled up the varieties just how many I had captured. On walking along a path, I saw a fleeting glance of a small mammal, bright orange in colour, which had ran a few feet in front of me. On talking to the volunteers, they believed it could have been a stoat. All in all, a fantastic day out I had totally got immersed in the event and lost all...

Review: RSPB Old Moor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nestled in the heart of South Yorkshire's Dearne Valley, the RSPB Old Moor is a wildlife oasis that deserves an excellent five-star rating. With its plethora of habitats, a myriad of bird species, and outstanding facilities, it offers a superb day out for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

At Old Moor, you're invited to explore the wealth of British wildlife through an intricate network of trails and hides. From the murmurations of starlings to the playful water voles, the array of creatures you can spot is impressive. The reserve's wetlands are particularly well-loved, teeming with waders, ducks, and occasionally, majestic birds of prey.

One of the site's standout features is its excellent visitor centre. It houses informative exhibits, a shop stocked with nature-related goods, and a cosy café serving up delicious, locally-sourced food. The panoramic windows offer splendid views of the bird feeders outside, enabling visitors to enjoy wildlife even as they dine.

Old Moor also shines in its commitment to accessibility. The pathways are well-maintained and wheelchair-friendly, and there are even specially designed bird hides for visitors with mobility difficulties. Regular events, children's activities, and volunteer-led guided walks further enhance the site's appeal.

In conclusion, RSPB Old Moor offers an exceptional wildlife watching experience right in the heart of South Yorkshire. With its diverse habitats, rich wildlife, and excellent facilities, it's an absolute must-visit for nature lovers, thus earning a well-deserved...

This is a great place to go to see British natural nature and a beautiful place to walk and enjoy spectacular scenery. There are many different species of bird 🐦 here and there are lots of marsh land and trees a birds paradise. There are warm heated bird watching cabins along the different routes you. an take along the many paths. The facilities are top notch as there is a cafe on sight that serves fairly priced hit and cold foods with good seating and heating. There are toilets 🚻 that are well kept and clean as well as a baby mother changing facility and disabled facilities are well taken care of. It is free and parking is ample also free parking will attract many people as this is a cheap day out and a fun day out. I seen many keen bird watchers with there long lense cameras but also seen many family's with children of all age's and they looked like they were having great fun. It's a fun place to explore and has many bird's and some are rare within the UK but this spot you can see them. I highly recommend this place The staff are professional and friendly I was greater by a informative man who worked there at the fate and gave a talk about the history and the birds and what to do and expect and I found this very friendly and informative. Highly recommend far all...