Denaby Ings

Riverside meadows, dry meadows, open water, woodland scrub and hedgerow habitats are all found at Denaby Ings and support a diverse range of species.

Grey herons sit by the river waiting to strike. In the meadows butterflies are abundant visiting the assorted wildflowers, whereas winter sees flocks of migrant birds including fieldfare and lesser redpoll.

To catch a sight of the wondrous wildlife here spend time in two of the viewing hides which overlook the main marsh and provide excellent sights over the open water of the Ings and the river valley to the wooded crags in the distance. Follow the raised embankment of the old Dearne Valley Railway to reach them. The railway, which was once used to transport coal from the local mines, is now full of the sound of birdsong during the spring and summer.

Size, 23 hectares

Entry fee, free

Parking information, car park available on Pastures Road.

Grazing animals, cattle graze the marsh, along with sheep in the meadows and pasture

Walking trails, a footpath around the lake passes two bird hides and a viewing screen to look over the lake.

Access, steps and narrow paths. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Dogs, on a lead

Facilities, Bird hides

Best time to visit, August to November