Welcome to Discover Lakeside - Potteric-Carr
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Potteric Carr
To the south-west of Lakeside is Potteric Carr. Historically this was a large area of marshland that was part of Hatfield Chase. It was drained in stages between around 1600 and 1800 for the land to be used for agriculture. The drainage scheme in the Chase was started in the 1626 by the Dutch expert, Cornelius Vermuyden.
In 1657 a Duck Decoy was introduced by Doncaster Corporation. One stretch of water, Low Ellers was made into a “wild duck farm” and the plan was for the rent to feed the poor people of Doncaster. The ducks were lured into a narrow waterway as they tried to keep an eye on a dog running alongside. Then they were trapped.
In 1849 the Great Northern Railway Decoy Bank sidings were laid through the middle of the Carr and the area became criss-crossed with train lines and marshalling yards.
In the late 1950s and 1960s several coal seams underground caused movement and flooding, with the area going back to a marshland.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust established the nature reserve in 1968. Now it is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the country covering an area of around 500 acres. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, including many rare species, such as a regular pair of nesting Bitterns.
Nearby Wildlife at Doncaster Lakeside
Rabbits, weasels, foxes and deer are present around the Lakeside.
Bats such as Pipistrelle, Noctule, Daubentons, Brandts and Natterers have been detected by local enthusiasts. Pied Wagtails roost at the Lakeside Outlet.
At dusk in late autumn and winter a starling murmuration can be observed by looking across the farmland towards Potteric Carr. The starlings gather to roost together for the night. They spend about half an hour gathering in larger and larger numbers, swirling around in the sky and a creating breathtaking spectacle. It is worth taking a look late on a clear dry afternoon.
The content of this trail has been developed by the Doncaster Lakeside Wildlife Action Group. Visit their website at: http://lakesidewildlifeactiongroup.weebly.com/ or follow them on Twitter @WildlifeLakeDN4.
Question
What type of fish can you see in the lake?
Answer:
Carp