© Blacka Moor View © Blacka Moor by Amy Partington © Blacka Moor Coswick Bog © Blacka Moor Cottongrass © Blacka Moor To City © Blacka Moor View © Blacka Moor deer, by Tom Aspinall © Deer on Blacka Moor, by Mark Smith © Blacka Moor in autumn by N Abbas © Julie Riley Blacka Moor 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. Open View more images of Blacka Moor Red Deer Migrant Birds Moorland habitats 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). Please keep dogs on leads and always follow the Countryside Code. Respect, Protect, Enjoy your local green spaces. Dogs on our nature reserves and farmland policy Location On the south-west of Sheffield, off Hathersage Road, right on the border of the Peak District National Park. Postcode S17 3BJ. OS Map Reference SK 277806 View on What 3 Words ///cherry.broker.cubs Know Before You Go Size approx 181 hectares Entry Fee – Free Parking – Car parking is available on Stony Ridge car park off Hathersage Road, Piper Lane layby, off Hathersage Road, and Strawberry Lees Lane car park, at SK 296803. Grazing Animals – Cattle and sheep may be present on site. Walking Trails – There is an extensive Public Rights of Way network across the reserve. 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 be aware that some areas of the reserve can be wet and boggy. We recommend wearing suitable walking shoes or boots. Facilities – No facilities Dogs – Dogs on a lead are permitted on the reserve. Other Information: Cycles are permitted on the designated cycle paths within the reserve. Camping is not permitted at this reserve. Barbecues and campfires are not permitted at this reserve. When To Visit Opening Times – Open at all times. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours to explore this reserve. Best Times – Stunning all year round. Visit in summer for notable migrant species, and autumn to see red deer in their full antlered majesty Directions 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. By Road From Sheffield city centre head towards Ecclesall Road South (A625) and continue until you reach Stony Ridge car park off Hathersage Road (A625). 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). Species Bilberry bumblebee Stonechat Wheatear Red deer Cuckoo Willow warbler Pied flycatcher Habitat Mixed upland clough woodland Upland dry heath Mires and bogs Contact If you need to get in touch with us about Blacka Moor or any of our other reserves, please email us or call 0114 263 4335. More information Seasonal Highlights Visit in spring and summer for notable migrant bird species, and rare bilberry bumblebees. In autumn you can see the see red deer in their full antlered majesty, and in winter the stark beauty of the moors is breathtaking. History Although it has an untamed feel, historic records and field remains show that Blacka Moor was used for arable and livestock farming as well as industries such as lead smelting and quarrying, with the woodlands being managed to supply them. Late medieval lead-smelting remains are present on Bole Hill, and the area is designated as a Scheduled Monument. In 1263 the land passed to the monks of nearby Beauchief Abbey who established a monastic priory and thriving farmstead in Strawberry Lee Pastures. The farmstead operated for over 600 years. Philanthropist JG Graves gave Blacka Moor to the people of Sheffield in the 1930s. Your support helps us continue his legacy of protecting this natural space for the enjoyment of local people. Blacka Moor has been cared for by Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust since 2001. Updates Volunteer Work Days Practical volunteer days at Blacka Moor are held on the first Saturday and the third Thursday every month. Tasks vary from footpath improvements and access work, to habitat and vegetation management. Volunteer days start at 10am and finish at 3pm. Gloves, tools, and refreshments are provided, please wear suitable outdoor clothes and sturdy boots, and bring some lunch and water if you’re able to join us for the whole day. Find out more about volunteering with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust. Blacka Moor Walk and Talk Would you like to find out more about our Blacka Moor Nature Reserve? Join us for our next Walk and Talk! It is a great way to explore your local nature reserve, ask questions about how it is managed and learn about upcoming events and future plans for the site during a guided walk with the nature reserve manager and one of our rangers. Book ticket 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! Links & Downloads Final Management Plan for Blacka Moor including Extension April 2023 – March 202611 MB SRWT Blacka Moor Info Panel [10]7 MB SRWT Blacka Moor DL Leaflet3 MB Explore our other amazing reserves Agden Bog A classic example of a type of bog that has now mostly disappeared from our landscape. Carbrook Ravine A small but varied reserve nestled amongst the urban landscape. Carr House Meadows A patchwork of flower-rich meadows, perched above the Ewden Valley. Centenary Riverside From steel works to wetland wildlife haven. Crabtree Ponds Crabtree Ponds is Burngreave's hidden gem. Fox Hagg A recently extended patch of heathland and woodland, neighbouring Wyming Brook. Greno Woods An ancient woodland, rich in wildlife and full of historic interest. Hammond’s Field One of the few remaining areas of unimproved farmland around the moorland fringes. Kilnhurst Ings A post-industrial washland on the River Don. Moss Valley Woodlands Majestic beech trees tower overhead in these beautiful ancient woodlands. Salmon Pastures From post-industrial wasteland to a vital green corridor. Sunnybank A scenic short-cut for people and wildlife. Woodhouse Washlands A mosaic of wet and dry grasslands, swamp, wet ditches, ponds and scrub. Wyming Brook A little bit of wilderness on the western edge of Sheffield.