Places to see birds

Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve

This is easily within reach of Doncaster. You can take the M180 to junction 2 and then take A161 towards through Crowle and Eastoft towards Swinefleet. Keep a sharp lookout for a minor road turning off to the right for Little Reedness. Here turn right on a road below river level (yes that's right) and pass through Whitgift and Ousefleet before arriving at the reserve on your left. Alternatively you may leave the M62 at Junction 36 and follow the A614 in to Goole. At traffic lights, turn right on to the A161 and follow signs for Swinefleet. You pass through Old Goole and the docks with a series of sharp right and left turns. You then pass through the villages of Swinefleet, Reedness, Little Reedness, Whitgift and Ousefleet before arriving at the reserve on your left. This is a superb Reserve of open water, reed-beds and tidal mud. A series of good quality hides give views of the different areas. Bearded tits, Marsh and Hen Harriers, Owls and Avocets in the summer, to name just a few of the regular birds seen, make this a popular reserve for dedicated birdwatchers. The small visitor Centre is open at the weekends, as well as weekdays from March to October inclusive, from 9am-5pm. The Reserve itself is open daily from 9am - 9pm, or dusk if earlier, and there is usually someone in the hides anxious to point out birds and help with identification. There are toilets between the car park and the Visitor Centre. This Visitor Centre does not have a café. The paths are excellent.