Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a charge to visit the reserve?

No entrance charge is ever made, although a donation of £3 per visitor will go a long way to helping us raise over £120,000 per annum that it costs to keep the reserve running.

Car parking costs only £3.

There is a parking meter at the first parking area or you can pay in the Field Centre.

Card payments are accepted in the Field Centre.

All car parking money will do directly to the running of the reserve.

Car parking is free for Friends and Volunteers. 

2. How do I find the reserve?

You can download a location map (pdf) from this site. 
The 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, group visits or guided walks must book in advance by contacting the Reserve Managers. A donation of £3 per person for self guided and £5 per person for guided walks needs to be donated in advance to secure the booking.  These charges are to ensure the sustainability of the reserve into the future.

4. Do I need any identification?

As the reserve is 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 photographic ID, such as driving licence, as you will be asked to produce it. 

Regular volunteers and visitors may apply for an annual pass.

5. Where can I park?

There is 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?

The reserve, the hides and the network of paths is open:

Weekdays: 9am-5pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays: 10am-4pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day

The Field Centre is open:

Weekdays: 9am-5pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am-4pm
Closed: Saturdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day

If you would like to visit outside of these hours please contact the Reserve staff to make arrangements.

7. Are dogs allowed?

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

8. Are there refreshments available?

Although there is not 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?

School visits can be arranged by contacting the Reserve staff.  Please see the education pages of our website for more information

10. Is pond-dipping allowed?

There are two designated pond-dipping platforms which may be used by pre-arrangement and under supervision only.