Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a charge to visit the Reserve?
No charge is ever made, although a donation of £2.50 per adult will go a long way to helping us find the £70,000 it costs each year to keep the Reserve open.

2. How do I find the Reserve?
You can download a location map (pdf) from this site.
Our postcode for satellite navigation is DL9 3PZ.

3. Do I have to book in advance?
Not if you are an individual or family group. However, if you want to book a group visit or guided walk you need to book in advance by contacting the Reserve Managers. Self-guided groups of more than eight should let us know in advance of their visit.

4. Do I need any identification?
As we are situated within a military facility you will need to pick up a visitors pass at the main entrance. Drivers of vehicles are advised to bring some form of ID, such as driving licence, as you may be asked to produce it.

Regular volunteers and visitors may apply for a permanent pass.

5. Where can I park?
We have adequate parking close to the Field Centre but priority is given to wheelchair users. There are designated parking bays adjacent to the information shelter which is approximately 100 metres along our access road from the main gate.

Coaches must stop at our entrance on the parade square to drop off their passengers. Additional parking for large groups and coaches is on the parade square itself.
Allow an extra fifteen minutes to walk to the Field Centre from there. A map of the Reserve is available in the information shelter.

6. What are the opening times?
Weekdays 9am-5pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day

If you would like to visit outside of these hours please contact the Reserve Managers to make arrangements.
The Reserve is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day unless a guided walk is advertised.

7. Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. You must clean up after them.

8. Are there refreshments available?
Although we do not have a cafe you are more than welcome to use our kitchen to make tea or coffee in return for a small donation to cover costs.
Groups are welcome to bring their own tea, coffee etc. and use the kitchen.
Please leave the kitchen as clean and tidy as you found it.

9. Do you accept school visits?
Yes. School visits can be arranged by contacting the Reserve Managers. We have a range of activities which we can organise for a maximum of 30 children at a time.

10. Is pond-dipping allowed?
There are two designated pond-dipping platforms which may be used by pre-arrangement and under supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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