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We had an excellent day on the Old Moor and Dearne Valley day trip. Matthew is a very accommodating and knowledgeable guide and not only showed us some brilliant birds but his information regarding the history and background of the area made for a very good day.
S&K E. Cumbria, May 24
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Old Moor and the Dearne Valley (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR186A day exploring the nationally important chain of wetland sites in the Dearne Valley, centered around RSPB Old Moor.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
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Summary
The Dearne Valley deserves to be far better known than it is! What was once the most polluted ex-industrial site in Western Europe is now a nationally important chain of wetland sites, centred around RSPB Old Moor nature reserve. Join Matthew Capper to spend the day exploring this area's fascinating past and wildlife-filled present. Matthew was Site Manager at RSPB Old Moor for 10 years and knows the history, management and wildlife like the back of his hand. During our day's exploration a wide variety of species can be expected. Bittern, Bearded Tit and Marsh Harrier are now resident and there will be a range of wildfowl and other waterbirds on offer. Both Barn Owl and Little Owl are frequently encountered. We may choose to spend most of the day at Old Moor, though there is the option to visit one of the other nearby reserves if time allows. Entry to Old Moor is free for RSPB members and £5 for non-members (not included in the cost of the Day Trip). All paths are flat and easily accessible, and we will cover around 2-3 miles, depending on which sites we visit, at a gentle pace.
- Look for Bearded Tit, Bittern and Kingfisher in the reedbeds
- Several orchid species in the summer
- Breeding Avocet and Marsh Harrier
- Great range of passage waders in the spring and especially the autumn
- Range of breeding and wintering wildfowl
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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This day trip to Old Moor and the Dearne Valley was led by a Naturetrek guide who was previously RSPB manager of these reserves. His knowledge of the history of the area, creation of the reserves and strategies for developing them is unsurpassable. This together with his excellent guiding made for a wonderful day in an area I might have thought I knew well! (I know far more now and will gain more from future visits).
S.J. Derbyshire, Dec 21
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 19th Apr – Sun 19th Apr
SPACES
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Matthew Capper
Tour Leader: Matthew Capper
Matthew was born in Stamford and has had a lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. He grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep and volunteered on the reserve during his teenage years. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. A varied conservation career has included time with the RSPB managing nature reserves and as Conservation Manager for Yorkshire and the Peak District. He is passionate about connecting people with nature and having previously served on their board of trustees, spent five years as Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. More recently, he took up the post of Conservation Adviser at Doddington Hall estate near Lincoln, helping to manage a flagship rewilding project.
Sat 29th Aug – Sat 29th Aug
SPACES
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Matthew Capper
Tour Leader: Matthew Capper
Matthew was born in Stamford and has had a lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. He grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep and volunteered on the reserve during his teenage years. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. A varied conservation career has included time with the RSPB managing nature reserves and as Conservation Manager for Yorkshire and the Peak District. He is passionate about connecting people with nature and having previously served on their board of trustees, spent five years as Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. More recently, he took up the post of Conservation Adviser at Doddington Hall estate near Lincoln, helping to manage a flagship rewilding project.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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