Potteric Carr - A Nature Haven Surrounded by Human Noise
Proof that nature can thrive in unlikely places
I spend a lot of time visiting nature reserves around my Yorkshire home. I am lucky to have so many lovely wetland reserves, woodland habitats and varied coastal locations to visit within easy reach.
Something I love about being out in nature is getting away from the constant noise of traffic and human activity. I don’t like noise. But I do love the sounds of nature. Birds singing, streams trickling, leaves rustling, reeds swishing in the breeze. I don’t consider these to be noise. To me these sounds are immensely calming and therapeutic.
But one nature reserve I visit regularly is different. This is Potteric Carr, which is close to Doncaster in South Yorkshire, England.
Potteric Carr is completely surrounded by very busy roads, including a motorway, and is criss crossed by railway lines. Everywhere on the reserve the traffic noise is noticeable, and goods trains regularly trundle through. And yet nature thrives here, and there is always something interesting to see.
Potteric Carr is a large wetland reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The reserve has a visitor center with a good cafe, an excellent network of paths and numerous bird hides. It is easy to spend a whole day here wandering from hide to hide.
Potteric Carr has extensive reed beds and numerous ponds which are perfect for wildfowl. Swans, geese and several species of ducks are usually present, as well as coots, moorhens, egrets and herons.
The abundance of wildfowl attracts birds of prey, and I have had some great sightings of marsh harriers here. Watching them patrolling above the reed beds with great agility for such large birds is always a pleasure. Buzzards, kestrels and peregrines are also regular visitors.
The first time I ever heard bitterns booming it was here at Potteric Carr. And in 2022 black-winged stilts bred here for the first time. This was the most northerly breeding success ever recorded for this species in the UK.
And it isn’t just the reeds and wetlands that make Potteric Carr special. It also has some lovely woodland, which is particularly colorful in autumn.
The woods and paths in Potteric Carr are known for their abundance of mushrooms, and seasonal fungus forays are sometimes arranged.
Many mammals have been recorded on the reserve. I have often seen roe deer on my visits, and have spotted the occasional fox. Badgers, hares and harvest mice also occur.
In some areas grazing animals are used to aid land management. Highland cattle, Hebridean sheep and charming Konik ponies may be encountered, and add interest to any visit.
Although I usually prefer quiet places, well away from human noise, there is something particularly inspiring about visiting Potteric Carr. It is enormously satisfying to see the abundance of wetland birds and other creatures just getting on with their lives despite the traffic and trains constantly roaring past.
It proves that even in industrial and densely populated areas, nature can flourish if it has suitable places to do so.
I am proud to be a member of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and also the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust. These and other organizations collectively own and manage huge areas of land to benefit and protect our nature.
These protected areas are so vitally important for our fauna and flora, and ultimately for us.
Practical Information
Entry - free for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members, small fee for non-members
Closed on Mondays (except Bank Holidays)
Visitor centre, cafe and toilets
Car park
Dogs not allowed (except assistance dogs)
Numerous bird hides, benches and picnic tables
Website: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Potteric Carr
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