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Dearne Valley - Old Moor

A wildlife haven in the Dearne Valley, with outdoor learning and fun for all ages

Once famous for its coal mining, this stunning area of reclaimed wetland now teems with wildlife.

And with an exciting indoor classroom, well-equipped visitor centre and a range of excellent education facilities we offer superb facilities for school visits.

Our bird hides and wildlife ponds also provide a great opportunity for pupils to get a closer look at the Dearne Valley's fascinating wild creatures.

Our year-round programmes focus particularly on Science and Geography. However they are also fabulous resources for work on essential skills, citizenship and art, design and media work.

Old Moor is the ideal place to bring your class for an unforgettable first-hand experience of nature, and is a great place to help them understand the value of wildlife and natural places.

Visits are limited to a maximum of two classes (or 60 students). We'll split these into four groups of around 15 students.

We can supply you with relevant materials, eg for nestbox making, but please note there will be a charge for these materials.

Outreach activities can also be provided at your school including, an introduction to Old Moor, your garden and school birds, wildlife friendly schoolgrounds, and habitats and adaptations. We can make a day tailored to you.

Using listening jewels on an RSPB First Nature school visit

Children using listening jewels on a school visit

The best-organised and 'learning-focused' visit I have been on in 30 years of teaching. The field teachers were brilliant. Thank you to all concerned.

Herringthorpe Junior School

Contact us

We'd be happy to help you plan your visit

Essential info

Pre-visit Downloads

Costs

Durationper childminimum costs
Half dayPrimary £4.25; Secondary £5.50Primary £75; Secondary £90
Full dayPrimary £5.75; Secondary £6.50Primary £90; Secondary £100; Outreach visits £70 for the first hour, and £15 for any subsequent hour

Fact file

How to find us:

For directions to Dearne Valley - Old Moor visit the reserve page

When to visit:

Schools can visit any weekday during term time. May and mid-July are our busy periods, so book early to avoid disappointment. It may also be possible for some school groups and clubs to visit in the summer holiday.

Day visits normally consist of a two-hour morning session (10 am to 12 noon) and a two-hour afternoon session (12.30 to 2.30 pm), although times can be reasonably flexible.

Teachers are welcome to visit at any time to see where their group will be working, to finalise programmes or to carry out their own risk assessment.

If you'd like to speak to a member of staff about any aspect of the visit, please make an appointment.

Suitable for

Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3.

This site has been externally verified to ensure that we are providing high quality learning experiences and managing safety effectively via the LOtC Quality Badge scheme. Read the report.