Nature reserves

We own six local nature reserves in the borough:

• Carlton Marsh
• Dearne Valley Park
• Elsecar Reservoir
• Potter Holes Plantation, Tankersley
• West Haigh Wood, Grimethorpe
• Worsbrough Country Park

We carry out a programme of habit management and enhancement at these reserves to benefit wildlife and the enjoyment of visitors.

There are two other local nature reserves in the borough which aren't owned by us:

• Bretton Park (run by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)
• Rabbit Ings Country Park, Royston (run by Wakefield Council)

Local wildlife sites

Local wildlife sites are areas of land important for their biodiversity. An area of land can be designated as a local wildlife site if it meets certain criteria regarding habitats or species present. You can find out about the criteria on the Barnsley Biodiversity Trust website:

• habitat quality site assessment criteria
• species site assessment criteria

We don't own most local wildlife sites, but we encourage their conservation and compile an annual report of their status. Designated sites are also considered in planning applications for new developments or changes in land use.

Read more about local wildlife sites.

Biodiversity Action Plan

The Barnsley Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) describes the diversity of habitats and wildlife species in the borough. It sets out those which are a priority for conservation and how this can be achieved.

Contact Barnsley Biodiversity Trust for more information about the BAP.

Access to ecological records

Barnsley Biological Records Centre (BBRC) records ecological data for the borough from a variety of sources. It's run by Sheffield City Council's ecology service on our behalf.

You can request details from the BBRC by completing a biological data request form. You should also read the terms of supply and conditions of use of the data. There may be a charge to use the BBRC to request data.

Regionally important geological sites

Regionally important geological sites (RIGS) are non-statutory sites selected to protect the most important places for geology, geomorphology and soils. These sites complement the network of legally protected sites of scientific interest (SSSI).

RIGS are selected for their scientific, educational, historical and aesthetic features. There are 32 RIGS within Barnsley.

Local Geological Action Plan

The Barnsley Local Geological Action Plan has been prepared by the Sheffield Area Geology Trust who we work with in partnership. The purpose of the plan is to clarify the position of geodiversity in planning, development and decision making in the borough, and explain the importance of geodiversity assets to support their positive management and use.

Useful links

• Barnsley Biodiversity Trust
• Natural England
• The Conservation Volunteers