Wander through wetland habitats at Old Moor, with sweeping views from the hides, this family-friendly nature reserve is teeming with wildlife. Enjoy idyllic walks, wildlife watching, pond-dipping plus an adventure playground for kids.
In spring, Great Crested Grebes put on a show for mating season, while summer sees the meadow come alive with orchids, wildflowers and butterflies. In autumn, look out for Barn Owls swooping across the reedbeds and meadows. The winter months bring vast flocks of ducks and geese including Wigeons (listen out for their whistling call), and birds of prey which send them scattering into the sky.
Old Moor is a brilliant reserve for little ones, with an adventure playground, wild play areas and The Lookout, a hide especially designed for families. You can hire discovery backpacks and we have family trails and activity sheets. From April to the end of October you can also hire pond dipping kits.
We have 250 spaces with 6 Blue Badge spaces in our tarmacked car park. Additionally there is a drop-off point closer to the visitor centre. Please note, there is no lighting in car park, no height restriction barrier. Overnight parking or camping is not permitted and the car park is locked overnight). Bicycle racks are available.
We have two accessible toilets, one has changing facilities (table and hoist). They are located just next to our visitor centre, accessed via the courtyard.
Changing units are located in the mens, womens and accessible toilets on the ground floor, just next to our visitor centre, accessed via the courtyard.
All the paths are flat and have hard surfaces, although there are some inclines with refuge points. The trail to the Bittern Hide does have a steep gradient with refuge points and hand rail. Seating and refuge points are available at intervals of approximately every 100 m with and without backs.
All the paths are flat and have hard surfaces, although there are some inclines with refuge points. The trail to the Bittern Hide does have a steep gradient with refuge points and hand rail. Seating and refuge points are available at intervals of approximately every 100 m with and without backs.
Mens, Ladies and accessible toilets are located just next to our visitor centre, accessed via the courtyard with additional Mens and Ladies toilets upstairs in the Cafe.
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 in the courtyard at Old Moor, but no dogs, except assistance dogs, are permitted on the reserve, or in the Visitor Centre due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats 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. Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife can easily become startled by a 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 by not exercising your dog here.
Other exciting dog walking routes are available to enjoy in the local area; try our satellite sites at Adwick Washlands, Gypsy Marsh or Edderthorpe where dogs are welcome on a lead or under close control.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Check out which species we've seen at recently at Old Moor
For more detailed and up to date bird sightings, please follow us on Facebook for regular posting.
Discover exciting events all year at Dearne Valley - Old Moor. Join us for a dragonfly walk in summer, guided pond dipping in autumn and much more!
We know that Dearne Valley is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
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