Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve

One of several important wildlife reserves in the Dearne Valley, now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Carlton Marsh nature reserve was historically a vital area for the region’s coal mining industry.

Managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the reserve has undergone significant restoration efforts, including the cleanup of Cudworth Dyke, which supplies the marsh. Once one of Yorkshire’s most polluted waterways, it has been revitalised through the hard work of volunteers and local partnerships.

In 2015, the marsh saw further habitat improvements, with dry reedbeds being restored through the excavation of channels and pools. The reserve now boasts a diverse range of habitats, including open wet woodland, fen, marsh, scrapes, meadows, grassland, and scrub, providing a home to a variety of birds, mammals, wildflowers, butterflies, and dragonflies.

A highlight of the reserve is the nationally endangered willow tit, which has found a home in the wet-woodland fringe and scrub. During spring, the arrival of cuckoos signals the season’s change, while in late spring and summer, the brambles come alive with the sound of grasshopper warblers. Kingfishers can often be seen darting across the pools, and the distinctive booming call of the elusive bittern can be heard from the reedbeds.

In winter, the wetland scrapes host a variety of waterfowl, including lapwings, redshanks, green sandpipers, whooper swans, mallards, gadwalls, shovelers, tufted ducks, and moorhens. Bullfinches and long-tailed tits are often spotted in the woods, while fieldfares and redwings feed on berry-bearing shrubs. Birds of prey, such as buzzards, peregrine falcons, marsh harriers, barn owls, and hobbies, can regularly be seen hunting in the skies at dusk.

The reserve is accessible via a network of well-maintained trails, which are mostly flat but can become muddy after rain. A bird hide and picnic area with benches and tables are available for visitors. Some parts of the reserve are fenced off for grazing horses during certain times of the year.

There is a small car park on Shaw Lane, which accommodates around 10 cars and is open from dawn until dusk. The car park is locked outside of these times.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the footpaths at Carlton Marsh nature reserve, but must be kept on a lead at all times.