Explore South Yorkshire's natural gems
So, what makes the Dearne Valley unique? It must be the diversity and immediacy of its nature reserves, as well as how easy they are to discover and explore.
Old Moor is the hub, or 'green heart', of the Dearne Valley, from which you can span the natural gems - four nature reserves (and counting) - by foot or by bike, meaning you can plan a day according to your needs.
Each reserve offers something slightly different, from the fantastic visitor centre and friendliness of Old Moor, to the tranquility of Bolton Ings and Gypsy Marsh. You'll find a wealth of wildlife across the valley as the habitats vary from wetland, to fen to wet grassland, to farmland.
And it's growing! Watch this space for the development new Dearne Valley nature reserves nearby at Edderthorpe, Adwick and Little Houghton.
Bit by bit, the Dearne Valley 'futurescape' is connecting more and more people with wildlife, whilst acting together as flood washlands, reducing the risk of flooding to homes and businesses throughout the valley - not just a pretty place, then!