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Localities and Habitats - Wharncliffe Heath Nature Reserve, SK298975

Photograph Copyright © SWAP

Wharncliffe Heath Nature Reserve is managed by Sheffield Wildlife Action Partnership [SWAP - Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Sheffield City Council] and The Forestry Commission. It has two designations: a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Access: from Deepcar along a footpath beginning at the bridge over the River Don opposite the Lowood Workmen’s Club on Station Road, or along the forest ride from Mallard House Riding School on Finkle Street (do not park on the track – this is privately owned), or along a footpath from Woodhead Road.

Photograph Copyright © SWAP

The reserve is situated above Wharncliffe Crags overlooking the River Don, Deepcar and Stocksbridge to the north west of Sheffield. It lies in an area of outstanding local natural history and archaeological interest and protects one of the few remaining dry heaths in the Sheffield area.  Wharncliffe Heath is a remnant of a formerly much larger heath complex, most of which is now reverting to oak-birch woodland or is under commercial forestry.  The heathland supports breeding populations of Nightjar, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Dunnock, Robin, Wren and Willow Warbler, with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk usually nesting nearby, and Raven, Peregrine and Goshawk being seen occasionally.  The surrounding semi-natural and mixed woodland supports all the normal woodland species for the area, including 3 tit species, Long-Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Woodcock, Tawny Owl, common warblers and thrushes, Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Siskin, with Brambling and Crossbill being occasional seasonal visitors.  The species list for the reserve currently stands at 72.

Photograph Copyright © SWAP

The best time to visit the reserve is in June and July, at dusk for Nightjar and roding Woodcock. Also look out for: fox, badger, red deer, stoat, weasel, viviparous lizard, grass snake, palmate newt, common frog and toad, common hawker dragonfly (in August and September) and the voracious green tiger beetle (in June and July). Last updated 26th June 2003

Wharncliffe Heath data [for recent field notes] | Wharncliffe Heath CBC results [for 1999-2000 CBC data]

PLEASE KEEP TO THE PATHS, DO NOT DISTURB WILDLIFE OR WORRY GRAZING SHEEP.