© Woodhouse Washlands (c)N. Abbas © Woodhouse views credit N_Abbas (2) © Sunrise at solstice Woodhouse Washlands (c) Isabel Commerford © Woodhouse Washlands (c)N. Abbas Woodhouse Washlands A mosaic of wet and dry grasslands, swamp, wet ditches, ponds and scrub. Open View more images of Woodhouse Washlands Walking Birdwatching Water Woodhouse Washlands is a rich mosaic of grassland, marsh, ponds, ditches and temporary pools. The varied habitats encourage a wide range of bird species throughout the year, while the relatively level terrrain makes it perfect for gentle walks. 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 boundary between Sheffield and Rotherham, on Sheffield’s eastern edge. Retford Road, Swallownest, Postcode S13 9WD. OS Map Reference SK431 855 View on What 3 Words ///jumpy.invite.visa Know Before You Go Size approx 73 hectares Entry Fee – Free Parking – On-street parking is available on Furnace Lane. Grazing Animals – Cattle grazing from April to November Walking Trails – Accessibility – The Trans-Pennine Trail, running along the eastern edge of the site (accessed from Retford Road or off the A57) allows easy access for cyclists and wheelchair users in good weather (it can get very muddy in wet weather). There are both public and permissive footpaths across the site. Some areas are fenced off to protect wildlife. *Please note the reserve is closed when the flood defence system is in operation. Facilities – No facilities Dogs – Dogs on a lead are permitted on the reserve. Other Information: Cyclists are permitted to cycle on the Trans-Pennine Trail paths. 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 1 hour to explore this reserve. Best Times – Visit in spring and summer for skylarks, swallows and summer migrant species. Kingfishers and heron can be spotted along the river all year round. Directions Public Transport Bus X35 and trains from Sheffield to Woodhouse station both stop on Furnace Lane within a 5 minute walk of the reserve. Find more details on the Travel South Yorkshire website. By Road From Sheffield city centre head out on the Parkway (A57) and continue, taking the left hand slip lane to Worksop/Mosboro’ and take the 1st exit from the roundabout onto Mosborough Parkway (A57), continuing for 1.5 miles. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Coisley Hill (B6064). Continue to Market Street then turn left onto Station Road to continue on the B6064 until you reach Furnace Lane. About Woodhouse Washlands Nature Reserve Sitting on the boundary between Sheffield and Rotherham, on Sheffield’s eastern edge, Woodhouse Washlands comprises 53 hectares of grassland, scrub and floodplain grazing marsh. The Washlands’ mosaic of wet and dry grasslands, swamp, wet ditches, ponds and scrub are typical of the landscape which once fringed the River Rother as it passed through its floodplain. During the summer, swallows, swifts and martins can be seen feeding over the area, providing spectacular displays. A bird survey in 2017 revealed around 60 species using the site – some of which were recorded for the very first time and included less common species such as grasshopper warbler, hobby and little egret. The reserve has also seen a good increase in breeding skylark numbers. A flood alleviation scheme transformed the widespread marshland into a rich mosaic of grassland, marsh, ponds, ditches and temporary pools with willows and remnant hawthorn hedges dotted across the site creating additional habitat features. Watch out for the occasional flash of turquoise as a kingfisher flies past. In winter, see ducks including goosander and gulls. © Harvest mouse ©Amy Lewis Evidence-led Story Map Take a look at our interactive Woodhouse Washlands Story Map to see how the work you support has benefited habitats and species including the adorable harvest mice The nature reserve is managed by a mixture of cattle grazing and periodic maintenance of the ditches, ponds and hedges. The land is divided by the river and a railway viaduct which helps create the distinct characteristics of the different compartments. Metal sculptures have been installed along the route, giving information on the industrial history as well as the plants and animals that can be seen. Species Kingfisher Skylark Hobby Heron Little egret Harvest mouse Swallow Swift Otter Banded demoiselle Emperor dragonfly Lapwing Great crested newt Habitat Grassland Scrub Floodplain grazing Contact If you need to get in touch with us about Woodhouse Washlands or any of our other reserves, please email us or call 0114 263 4335. More information Seasonal Highlights Swallow, swifts and house martins gather in good numbers every spring and summer to feed on the abundant insect life over the river. All three species are fast-flying acrobatic birds, which look similar, but they are quite easy to tell apart: swifts are the largest of the three, completely sooty brown/black with long scythe-shaped wings. Swallow and house martins are similar in size, but swallows have long forked tails and glossy blue-black backs. House martins have similar coloured feathers, but a shorter tail and a distinctive white patch on their lower back. Many winter ducks gather on the Washlands to feed during the colder months. Amongst these you can see teal, a small duck whose males have distinctive green and chestnut coloured heads. Wigeon also have a chestnut coloured head, but are larger than teal, they lack the green eye markings and have a yellow forehead. Gadwall is an intricately patterned grey duck, with a black rear end and a white wing patch visible in flight. History This suburban site, whilst surrounded by roads, housing and industry, has a rich and varied history. Until the 1950s the river meandered through extensive marshland and flooded on such a regular basis that a rowing boat was kept at the Methodist chapel to transport people between the housing and factories. The disruption resulted in a flood alleviation scheme being put into operation and by 1960 the river had been straightened, flood banks built and ditches dug to control the water. Since then the river has only flooded the Washlands a handful of times, most recently during the major floods in November 2019. The River Rother was once one of the most polluted rivers in Europe, a legacy of the industrial past. Today, the river supports a good fish population as well as a range of invertebrates and plants. Updates Volunteer Work Days Practical volunteer days at Woodhouse Washlands are held on the third Friday of every month. Tasks vary from footpath improvements and access work, to habitat and vegetation management. All volunteer days start at 10.00am and finish at 3.00pm. Gloves, tools, and refreshments are provided, but please wear suitable outdoor clothes and boots, and bring some lunch and drinking water if you’re able to join us for the whole day. The meeting place can vary, so please get in touch before the work day to confirm where we will be starting. Find details for our next volunteer work day on our Events page. 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 Woodhouse Washlands, 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 Woodhouse Washlands nature reserve. Thank you! Downloads Woodhouse Washlands_Management Plan 2025-2035 FINAL (for web)3 MBWoodhouse Washlands Access Network1 MB Explore our other amazing reserves Agden Bog A classic example of a type of bog that has now mostly disappeared from our landscape. 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. 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. Wyming Brook A little bit of wilderness on the western edge of Sheffield.
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.