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RSPB Old Moor

Activities
Situated right at the heart of the Dearne Valley, Old Moor is a wonderful place to come and watch wildlife. The skies, fields and open water are teeming with birds throughout the year.
In the summer the grasslands are ablaze with butterflies and orchids, and you’ll be able to see newly-hatched ducklings. In winter the reserve is an important stopping-off point for ducks, geese and swans plus 8,000 golden plovers!
There are lots of events, guided walks and family activities, as well as home-cooked food in the Gannets Cafe and a well-stocked shop.
The reserve is a great day out for young and old alike.
Viewing points
There are five hides out on the reserve and one overlooking the bird-feeding garden. There are two viewing platforms in the pond and picnic area.
Nature trails 
Two easy-going trails give excellent views of wildlife on the reserve. Follow the trail around the ponds and picnic area to see wildflower meadows and a variety of birds and insects, or take the trail to the hides, where you can get closer to wildlife in a variety of different habitats. Both trails are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and are less than one mile in length.
Tearoom
Hot and cold drinks and lunches, all day breakfast, home-made cakes and biscuits. Refreshments available Cold drinks Confectionery
Shop 
RSPB Old Moor has a large shop, selling everything from binoculars to books, bird food to bike bits, clothing and gifts. There is also a wildlife gardening section with plants, books and equipment to get you started. The shop stocks: Books Bird food Gifts
Events
 There are a range of events throughout the year  click here for up to date details
Educational facilities 
Old Moor is a haven for nature in the heart of the Dearne Valley – a stunning area of wetlands, teeming with birds and other wildlife. With an exciting indoor classroom, education garden, bird hide, and a range of excellent education facilities, Old Moor is the ideal place to bring your class for an unforgettable experience of nature.
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds – some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
What you should know…The paths are firm and suitable for all levels of ability, including wheelchair users, but there is one small, steep slope to negotiate.If you are new to birdwatching…There are guided bird walks on one Sunday each month and a series of ‘Birdwatching for beginners’ evenings throughout the summer. Please telephone the visitor centre for details
Information for families
Children can have fun on the climbing frames, swings and slide in the ‘Kids Go Wild’ adventure playground. There are also Wildlife Explorer backpacks available free from the visitor centre. These contain bug jars, binoculars and guide books to help children get the most out of their visit.
Information for dog owners
No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs

Admission

Entrance charges

RSPB members free; family ticket £11 (any number of children); concessions
See our money saving vouchers page for a FREE FAMILY ENTRY 
Free access from Old Moor to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council ‘Passport to Leisure’ and ‘Rothercard’ cardholders

Directions

Sustrans cycle route

The Trans Pennine Trail runs along the Southern edge of the reserve. Access to the reserve is via a bridge into the car park.
Nearest railway station
Wombwell (3 miles/5 km). Swinton (3 miles/5 km); regular connections to Doncaster.
Nearest bus stop
A number of buses run from Wombwell and Swinton stations and stop near the entrance to Old Moor nature reserve. Buses also run to the reserve from Barnsley, Doncaster and Meadowhall. Please check with bus operator TravelLine on 01709 515151 for further information.
Grid reference
The reserve is situated at grid reference SE422022 Get personal directions
For directions to the reserve by public transport, please visit Transport Direct. Please note that some reserves are not served by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.
For directions to the reserve by car, visit Google Maps and enter your postcode in the box provided.
By road
From the M1: Leave at junction 36 and take the A61 (Barnsley). At the small roundabout, continue straight ahead on the A6195 (Doncaster) for approximately four miles. After passing the Morrison’s superstore, follow the brown RSPB Old Moor signs.
From the A1: Leave at junction 37 (Doncaster), follow the A635 towards Barnsley, then follow the brown RSPB Old Moor signs.

Opening Times

The visitor centre and cafe are open daily, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, 9.30 am to 5 pm from February to end of October, 9.30 am to 4pm November to end of January. The reserve is also open until 8 pm from April to October.

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