The Visitor Centre at RSPB Old Moor, South Yorkshire’s flagship nature reserve, has been transformed thanks to a new boost of £30,000 raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Visitors to RSPB Old Moor in the heart of South Yorkshire’s Dearne Valley will now be welcomed with a refreshed experience, making the centre more accessible for all.

The much-loved nature reserve—home to wildlife such as Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Avocets, all species of conservation concern — has used the funding to make a series of improvements to its visitor centre and surrounding areas, helping to ensure an even warmer and more inclusive welcome for all.

Once one of the most heavily industrialised and polluted landscapes in Europe, RSPB Old Moor is now a thriving oasis of reedbeds, wet grasslands and wildflower-rich meadows, playing a crucial role in national conservation efforts. It received Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status in 2023 and acts as a hub within a wider network of RSPB-managed nature reserves across the Dearne Valley.

Thanks to the funding boost the outdated welcome hut has been removed and replaced by a new indoor modern and bright reception area in the main building. The visitor shop has been streamlined to make more space for welcome information and displays and new glass sliding doors and shutters have improved accessibility and energy efficiency.

The central courtyard and lawn area have been upgraded too, to make it more welcoming and usable year-round with tables and picnic benches specially designed for easier wheelchair access.

Improved signage has also been added across the reserve to enhance wayfinding for families and first-time visitors. These improvements aim to enhance both the first impression and overall visitor experience, while ensuring the reserve remains open and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

Emma Tuckey, RSPB Old Moor’s Reserve Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the results of this project, which will help make Old Moor an even more welcoming place for families, nature lovers, and first-time visitors. Making nature accessible to everyone is our number one priority.

“And thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve created a better experience from the very first step through the door—and that’s so important when we want people to feel inspired by nature.”

Ryan Mackie, Deputy Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery said: “We’re thrilled that the support from players of People's Postcode Lottery has contributed to this transformative project. The work will make a genuine difference to how people connect with the natural world at RSPB Old Moor. It's a shining example of what can be achieved when nature, community engagement and conservation come together.”

These improvements come at a time when RSPB Old Moor has just launched two brand new ‘Bird Roost and Bats’ guided walks for August. These unique evening experiences offer the chance for visitors to see birds like Great White Egrets, Little Egrets, Spoonbills and Cormorants returning to Old Moor to roost. Visitors will be offered bat detectors to seek out species such as Daubenton's and Pipistrelles as they come out to hunt and there’s every chance of spotting Barn Owls too. These are just some of the many creative events designed to connect young people with the natural world and encourage Yorkshire’s future conservationists.

Emma added: "Whether you’re here to see our iconic Spoonbills, go bat hunting at night, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk, we want Old Moor to feel like a place where everyone belongs. This funding has helped us move another step closer to that goal.”

To find out more about RSPB Old Moor, book tickets or explore upcoming events, visit: https://events.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor.