Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Dearne Valley - Gypsy Marsh
BroomhillOpenSee opening timesWander through the meadow at Gypsy Marsh and spot orchids, butterflies and Reed Buntings.
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About
Gypsy Marsh is a tiny gem in our network of Dearne Valley reserves. This meadow mixes wetland, in the form of a fen, on one side with dry grassland on the other. Take time to explore and you'll find beautiful wildflowers including orchids, Dingy Skipper butterflies, and birds like Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings. Gypsy Marsh is open at all times. Dogs are welcome on the designated rights of way. Please always keep your dog on a lead, to reduce the risk of disturbing wildlife, habitats and grazing cattle. We know that the countryside is popular with dog-walkers, but these special surroundings are also havens for wildlife. Thank you for helping us protect them by keeping your dog on a lead. The reserve is just a five-minute walk from our parent site Old Moor, for more information head here.
At a glance
There is no car park here. You can park at RSPB Old Moor where they will give you details about how to get to this reserve. Open 9:30-17:00 BST and 09:30-16:00 GMT. Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
There are no toilets here. The nearest toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing are at RSPB Old Moor.
There are no toilets here. The nearest toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing are at RSPB Old Moor.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
There are no toilets here. The nearest toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing are at RSPB Old Moor.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the designated rights of way.
Please keep your dog on a lead at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and grazing cattle here. We know that the countryside is a dog walking paradise. It’s important to remember the special surroundings here are wonderful havens for rare wildlife too.
Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife and livestock can easily become startled by a loose dog they perceive as a predator.
Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead at Gypsy Marsh.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Dearne Valley - Gypsy Marsh
Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 0UP