John Potter
Potteric Carr
The green heart of Doncaster
Potteric Carr is a wild oasis just waiting to be explored. Now nestling between motorway and railway, it's a remnant of the vast fenland that once stretched all the way across the Humber basin to the coast. Around each corner you'll discover a true mosaic of habitats, from reedbeds swaying gently under big open skies to winding woodland trails and networks of ponds teeming with life.
During summer, the meadows are full of butterflies and abuzz with insects, while winter brings the magic of thousands of starlings creating incredible aerial displays. Listen carefully and you might even hear the booming of the elusive bittern...
Start your day at the visitor centre - the perfect place to pause for a hot drink and browse the gift shop. From birdwatching to forest tots, discover amazing wildlife experiences at Potteric Carr.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Potteric Carr Reserve and Visitor Centre is closed every Monday, and is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Nature reserve, visitors centre and cafe: 9.30am – 4pm
Prices
- Wildlife Trust Members: Free
- Adults: £5
- Aged 18 and under: Free
- Student / Disabled / Universal or Pension Credit: £4
Access to the visitor centre and café is free.
How to find us
Address
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
Contact
Telephone 01302 325736 Email potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk
How to get to Potteric Carr
By car
- 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.
By public transport
- The nearest train station is Doncaster
- From here you can catch the No. 72 or 72 Park and Ride bus. Journey time approx. 10 - 15 minutes. Disembark at B&Q on White Rose Way, cross White Rose Way on foot via the pedestrian crossing points and follow the signs to Potteric Carr. Approx. 5 minute walk.
Parking
Free parking. Gates are locked at 5pm - if you would like to stay later, then please arrive before 5pm and ask at the visitor centre welcome desk.
Our café menu
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
Facilities
- Café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, hand cut chips, snacks and sweet treats. (Tuesday-Sunday). Monday is hot savory pastry day. See our standard menu here - please note that this is an example of what we sell, we do occasionally change our menu.
- Shop for a fabulous range of nature-inspired gifts and all important accessories including binoculars, books, bird seed and much more! Browse online first.
- Access to the café, shop and nature reserve is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. People using wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility equipment can find more information about the reserve here, thanks to Accessible Nature.
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Toilets (including disabled access) and baby-change
*100% of profits from sales of refreshments and merchandise go back into wildlife conservation
Dogs
Assistance and guide dogs are welcome, but due to the sensitivity of habitats and wildlife at Potteric Carr, there are no dogs allowed on the reserve.
Check, clean, dry
Our nature reserves are precious places for wildlife. Please help to protect these vulnerable habitats from Invasive Non-Native Species by checking, cleaning and drying your footwear before and after your visit.’
Your day at Potteric Carr
Potteric Carr is bursting with places to discover and wildlife to watch, whether you've got an hour or half a day!
- Enjoy incredible birdwatching from one of our hides dotted about the reserve. Potteric Carr attracts a huge number of wetland birds and is especially exciting during spring and autumn with migrating birds passing through. Tens of thousands of starling perform incredible aerial displays over winter - a truly magical sight!
- Walk through the mosaic of habitats, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, from roe deer tiptoeing through the woodlands to great crested newts basking in the ponds.
- Book on to an event, from forest tots to pond dipping, and learn about amazing creatures!
- Join us on a guided walk to look for wildlife and find out more about the history and management of the reserve from one of our expert guides!
The Magic of Mushrooms: the Fun of Fungi at Potteric Carr
Telling our Story volunteer Sara headed to Potteric Carr this autumn for our first Fungi Fest. Read all about what she discovered on her…
A change to Potteric Carr’s opening hours
Our Nature Discovery Centres welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year, as each season offers something special; birds on their…
A tribute to Roger Mitchell
We remember Roger Mitchell, a beloved and charismatic leader whose perseverance and dedication to nature conservation and his vision for…
Browse our gift shop
Shop both online and in our gift shop for a fabulous range of nature-inspired gifts and all important accessories including binoculars, books, bird seed and much more!
One of the most beautiful and relaxing unspoiled and natural places in Doncaster! Beautiful lakes full of birdlife. Wonderful staff and a fabulous cafe and shop.
Events
Our events have returned and a number of dates are now open for bookings!
Join us on an event to discover even more of Potteric Carr. From forest tots and arts and crafts to guided walks and expert talks, there's sure to be something to take your interest.
We also run bespoke sessions for schools and community groups!
Accessibility
Potteric Carr visitor centre has an accessible entrance and toilet facilities. There are a number of routes around the reserve which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The reserve can be popular with midges from late summer until mid October especially on still, damp and overcast days. We stock repellent in our shop but please be prepared.
Contact us
Phone: 01302 325736
Email: potteric.carr@ywt.org.uk
