Blacka Moor

Please keep dogs on leads and always follow the Countryside Code. Respect, Protect, Enjoy your local green spaces.

About Blacka Moor Nature Reserve

Blacka Moor is the largest and most spectacular of our nature reserves. It contains 181 hectares of breath-taking scenery and forms part of a much larger internationally important wild landscape – the Eastern Peak District Moors – which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Unique features on Blacka Moor include the varieties of heather, the gradual transition from woodland to open moor and its population of bilberry bumblebees. Its diverse migrant bird population includes willow warblers, black caps, cuckoos, wheatears, pied flycatcher, and stonechats. The ease and regularity of seeing red deer on site – the UK’s largest and wonderfully majestic mammal – is also a major bonus.

To help the development of this rare heathland habitat, the Wildlife Trust has reintroduced cattle grazing on site.

Please reporting anything unusual to us: if any of the animals are not looking healthy, or if there are any damaged fences or gates, email us at nature.reserves@wildsheffield.com or call 0114 263 4335.

Please keep dogs on leads on the pastures as there are sheep present (as well as ground-nesting birds).
Dogs should be kept under close control throughout the site, especially during bird breeding season (1st March to 31st July) so that ground-nesting bird chicks can have a chance to successfully fledge and thrive.

Volunteer Work Days

Practical volunteer days at Blacka Moor are held on the first Saturday (unless on a bank holiday when they will be run on the following weekend) and the third Thursday every month. Tasks vary from footpath improvements and access work, to habitat and vegetation management. All volunteer days start at 10am and finish at 3pm.

Gloves, tools, and refreshments are provided, but please wear suitable outdoor clothes and sturdy boots, and bring some lunch and drinking water if you’re able to join us for the whole day.

Meet at Stony Ridge Car Park, A625, S11 7TW

Visit our events page for more info about events at Blacka Moor and our other reserves.

Find out more about volunteering with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

Thank You

Together with our members and volunteers we take care of 15 nature reserves, including Blacka Moor, spanning almost 600 hectares, across Sheffield and Rotherham. These are places where you can enjoy nature and where our conservation work helps the wildlife you love to thrive.

Your donations make it possible for us to care for Blacka Moor nature reserve. Thank you!

Access Information

Getting There

Public Transport
Bus numbers 65, 215, 271 and 272 all stop opposite the nature reserve on Hathersage Road (A625). Find more details on the Travel South Yorkshire website.
Directions
From Sheffield city centre head towards Ecclesall Road South (A625) and continue until you reach Stony Ridge car park off Hathersage Road (A625) at SK 277806. Parking is also available at Piper Lane layby, off Hathersage Road (A625) at SK 283807 and Strawberry Lee Lane car park, at SK 296803.

Accessibility

There is an extensive Public Rights of Way network across the reserve. The topography of Blacka Moor means that many routes across and around the reserve require steep uphill climbs. Please contact us for disabled access information.
Please be aware that some areas of the reserve can be wet and boggy. We recommend wearing suitable walking shoes or boots.

Other Information

Dogs are permitted on the reserve but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Please keep dogs on leads and always follow the Countryside Code. Respect, Protect, Enjoy your local green spaces.
Cycles are permitted on the designated cycle paths within the reserve.
Barbecues and campfires are not permitted at this reserve.
Camping is not permitted at this reserve.