Discovering the delights of Denaby

But not only is there open space, there are important nature conservation sites, sometimes caused, ironically enough, as a result of past industrial activity.

Denaby Ings Nature Reserve (map reference SE 496 008) is one of these special places for nature which is just a short drive, cycle or walk from the ‘burbs.

I’ve been visiting this site on and off since the 1970s (why did I have to remind myself of that fact?) and, quite frankly, it hasn’t changed that much in all that time. The footpath route has altered a little but the main features – the lake and the woodland walk along the old railway – remain.

While it may not be one of the uber reserves, I think it has a lot to offer. Regular favourites and a few surprises. Remember, you can see a rarity anywhere although spotting rarities isn’t the point for most birders.

The Site of Special Scientific Interest shows what can be done when nature reclaims land once under the hammer of industry.

Denaby Ings lies on Pastures Road, midway between Mexborough and High Melton, and offers a lake, reedbeds, woodlands and a rare hay meadow.

The good thing is that the reserve offers variety throughout the year and different things for people with different interests. If you are a botanist there are orchids, if you’re into reptiles there are grass snakes and if, like me, you’re a birder there is something different in each season.

The lake was caused by mining subsidence and the wooded footpath through one side of the reserve is along an old railway line.

The lake has been carefully managed and a reedbed and muddy areas have developed which have attracted rare birds such as bitterns, avocets and spoonbills. There have been flocks of hundreds of lapwings, a once-common wading bird whose population has really hit the buffers in recent times.

Some of the reserve is used for flood storage by the Environment Agency so water levels can be manipulated to stop flooding elsewhere.

Grassland areas are grazed by sheep in the Spring and Summer and highland cattle in the Autumn to ensure it is managed in a natural sustainable way and the hay meadow, spattered with colour by plants galore, is cut in July.

The hay meadow is the jewel in Denaby Ings’ crown. A rare habitat these days nationally –  down 87 per cent across the country over the years – the hay meadow is an example of times long gone when farming practices were very different.

It is a remarkably diverse ecosystem too, boasting an incredible 20-30 species of plant per square metre.

Beautiful orchids such as the Southern Marsh Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid (which isn’t that common) can be found here but the most important plant in the hay meadow is the Yellow Rattle, a species which parasitises the roots of other flora and so keeps the growth of plants like grasses well and truly in check.

The reserve opened in 1967 and has proved itself to be a popular place to visit for nature lovers. It’s a must for any birder visiting the Doncaster/Rotherham area, alongside nearby Sprotbrough Flash, Potteric Carr in Balby near Doncaster and Wath-Upon-Dearne’s RSPB Old Moor reserve

Denaby Ings is not a large reserve which means its delights can be seen relatively easily and the variety of habitats means that people can see grass snakes and common terns and much more.

Every effort is made to encourage more wildlife. Special nestboxes for barn owls and kestrels have been used, for example, and there are nesting rafts on the lake designed to provide a dream home for common terns.

The lake is home to all the usual suspects – your mallards and tufted ducks and mute swans – but also other nice spots like great crested grebe.

FACT FILE:

* The reserve is run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Enquiries to 01904 659570 or [email protected].

* The reserve has a car park off Pastures Road.

* It is open at all times.

* You can find out more at http://www.ywt.org.uk/reserves/denaby-ings-nature-reserve.