How to get there

• Click here for Ordnance Survey location map.
• Easiest access to the site is from Flatts Lane Treeton or via the public footpath that runs along the River Rother from Catcliffe under the railway bridge. Please park carefully near the corner of Well Lane and Flatts lane and do not drive down the track to Flatts Farm. There are a number of paths around the Flash.
• The site can be found on the Ordnance Survey Landranger Sheet 111.
• Public transport: There are regular buses from Sheffield and Rotherham to Catcliffe and Treeton. Please check on a transport web site for the latest details as these routes often change.

Overview

Bolehill Flash is a medium sized reedbed of Common Reed and Greater Reedmace surrounded by willow and hawthorn. Historically it was a typical subsidence flash of open water with small patches of reed, well known for its breeding and passage wading birds. During dry spells of weather in the 1990’s the open water gradually receded to be replaced by reeds.

Likely species

Once well known for its waders, these days only Common Snipe and, rarely, Jack Snipe can be expected. Birds associated with reeds are the most likely species. Reed Buntings are present throughout the year, with good numbers in winter. Several pairs of Reed Warbler, a few Sedge Warblers and, some years, Grasshopper Warbler are present in summer. Most of the other common warbler species can be found in the surrounding scrub. In Autumn 2009 a Cetti’s Warbler took up residence for the winter, unfortunately it did not stay on into the 2010-breeding season. Redwing and Fieldfare can be quite common in autumn/winter, feeding on the Hawthorn berries. The site’s specialist bird has to be Water Rail, which is easiest seen out in the open in freezing conditions, or when the reeds are flooded. They can be heard calling at almost any time of year. In the past there has been an evening roost of Swallows, but not in recent years. Wildfowl that can be expected include Teal, Mallard and Moorhen with Little Grebe and Goosander on the adjacent River Rother, where Kingfisher are also often observed.

Bob Croxton