Potteric Carr is an area of low-lying land to the south east of Doncaster which forms the floodplain of the River Torne. The site is fabulous for birdwatching with marsh and water birds being particularly numerous. Over 230 species of birds have been recorded and 102 species have bred, with over 65 species breeding each year. A major extension to the site was designed to enhance this and has already resulted in breeding marsh harriers and bitterns. Spring and autumn are exciting times as a wide range of migrant birds can arrive at any time.

Potteric Carr's marshes support a wide range of plants providing a spectacle of colour throughout the summer. Plants include greater and lesser spearwort, water soldier, water violet and Southern marsh orchid. The disused railway embankments, constructed from magnesian limestone, encourage plants such as common spotted and bee orchids and old man's beard, Britain's only wild clematis.

Great crested and palmate newts are present in some of the pools and toads are common. Mammals include water shrew, water vole, harvest mouse and roe deer. The nature reserve is excellent for insects and other invertebrates too, with impressive lists of moths, spiders, beetles, bugs and hoverflies. Purple hairstreak and brown argus are among the 28 species of butterfly to have been seen, with 21 species of dragonfly noted.

Begin your journey at the Potteric Carr visitor centre. Find out more.

• Spring: Plants - Colt's foot; Birds - Black-necked grebe; Marsh harrier; Little ringed plover; Avocet
• Summer: Plants - Purple loosestrife; Southern marsh orchid; Birds - Green sandpiper; Invertebrates - Banded demoiselle; Brown argus
• Autumn: Birds - Little egret; Teal; Gadwell; Willow tit; Mammals - Roe Deer
• Winter: Birds - Bittern

The mosaic of habitats we see today is largely due to management work by the Trust's staff and its hardworking volunteers. In the 16th Century the area was a small part of the Hatfield Royal Deer Chase but it eventually fell out of favour due to being continuously flooded. Over a period of 150 years various attempts were made at draining the area, the final successful attempt being in the 1760s. In the 1950s coal seams from Rossington Colliery penetrated under the area. Over the next 15 years, as subsidence occurred, the fen conditions returned together with the associated wildlife.

In 1968, a small area (13 ha) was declared a nature reserve by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Over time the area of the site was gradually increased by purchase or lease and, in 2005, was extended to 200 ha when a further 75 ha of former farmland was purchased and major developments took place to improve habitats and visitor facilities and create a new extensive marsh.

Public transport
Regular buses run from the Frenchgate Interchange in Doncaster to Lakeside and the White Rose Way. Alight by B&Q, opposite Onecall and cross the White Rose Way at the traffic lights. The nearest train station is Doncaster.

By car
Coming from Doncaster take the White Rose Way (A6182), at the roundabout follow the directions for the M18. Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is signposted. From the A1 (southbound) come off at Junction 35 for the M18, then take Junction 3 towards Doncaster and follow signs for the A6182 (White Rose Way). At the first set of lights you reach, turn right into Mallard Way. Park at the visitor centre car park.

Summer ‘wild meal deals’ in the café:

• Little Explorer’s Lunch £4.95 (kids meal deal – small sandwich or beans on toast, juice carton and choice snack)
• Cuppa and cake: £4.95
• Toastie and hot drink: £6.95