RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor Nature Reserve

What makes us a great choice for education

Once famous for its coal mining, this stunning area of reclaimed SSSI wetland now teems with wildlife. With a wealth of habitats to investigate, including ponds full of dragonfly, buzzing wildflower meadows, reedbeds, and woodlands.

We have a range of excellent facilities and educational spaces, including indoor activity centre and fully accessible changing facilities, raised ponds, pond dipping platforms, a stunning sensory garden, a new minibeast garden and child friendly Lookout hide, all offering an interactive experience.

Our sessions are led by RSPB education professionals, who are specialists in their field and engage children of all abilities, whilst helping you meet your learning objectives. Activities are designed to deepen an understanding of the science curriculum: identifying plants and animals; studying seasonal change, adaptations, or lifecycles; classifying and grouping animals; or exploring food chains.

Visiting teachers are invited to subscribe to our e-newsletter which contains useful projects and teacher blogs to support continued work outside the classroom.

Accreditation and Awards

We have the LOtC Quality Badge.

What is typically included on our school trips

We offer curriculum-based Science and Geography programs suitable for Early years to KS2. Each program lasts around two hours.

Two programs can be combined to make a full day visit (10:00 – 14:30)

• EYFS KS1 BRILLIANT BIRDS
• EYFS KS1 DISCOVERING LAND MINIBEASTS
• EYFS KS1 DISCOVERING POND MINIBEASTS
• EYFS KS1 SEASONAL SENSORY WALK
• KS1 PLANT DETECTIVES
• KS2 INVESTIGATING MINIBEASTS
• KS2 LIVING THINGS AND THEIR HABITAT
• KS2 POND HABITAT STUDY
• KS2 DISCOVERING BIRDS

 See further details of our sessions on our website. 

Group Sizes Catered For

Groups of 30 per session. 60 is maximum capacity for the site due to limited toilet facilities and classroom size.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

Standard across all reserves.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Standard across all reserves.

Risk Assessment Details

Standard across all reserves.

Education Officer Information

This is standard across all reserves.

Pricing Information

This is standard across all reserves.

Clothing Requirements

Standard across all reserves.

First Aid Information

Standard across all reserves.

Available Facilities

We have an onsite shop for pocket money spends, café, toilets (including hoist and changing bed) playground and private classroom facility. Packed lunches can be eaten outside on the lawn or in the classroom. Parking for coaches available.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Disabled toilet facilities available and the reserve is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Opening Hours & Information

Winter hours – 09:30 – 16:00

Café & Shop – 10:00 – 15:30

Testimonials

The children (and staff!) all had a great day. The activities were well planned, resourced, and ready for use with the class. Effective movement from one activity to the next. Knowledgeable and friendly staff too!  

An excellent workshop on habitats to enhance our science topic.  

All children have had a great day and have been enthused by the volunteers. Organisation has been flawless and you have accommodated all our needs - thank you.