Kilnhurst, located near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is a village steeped in rich industrial heritage, reflected in its historical buildings and landmarks. The village has evolved over time, embracing both its history and contemporary developments to create a vibrant and welcoming environment. With its roots tracing back to the coal mining era, Kilnhurst retains a strong sense of identity and community spirit that resonates through its residents.

The village’s local events and gatherings foster a close-knit atmosphere that makes newcomers and visitors feel at home. Community spaces, such as churches, parks, and social clubs, provide residents with ample opportunities to connect and engage. The local businesses, from cozy cafes to family-run shops, add to the charm and convenience of Kilnhurst, offering a taste of the village’s unique character.

The picturesque Dearne Valley is just a stone’s throw away, offering scenic riverside walks and beautiful green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. Kilnhurst’s strategic location also places it near the bustling towns of Mexborough and Swinton, allowing residents to access a broader range of amenities while still enjoying the peace of village life. Whether it’s a tranquil riverside stroll or a trip to nearby shopping centers, Kilnhurst provides the perfect balance between rural charm and modern convenience.

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Kilnhurst Ings is a post-industrial washland on the River Don that we’ve transformed into a fantastic new wetland habitat to be enjoyed by both wildlife and people.

Now the reserve offers a mosaic of habitats including grassland, scrub, hedgerows and mature trees. The drains and ditches support a variety of wildlife including dragonflies such as the black tailed skimmer and brown hawker and birds such as moorhen, reed bunting and reed warbler. The scrapes created as part of a re-wetting scheme now provide excellent habitat for good numbers of over wintering snipe whilst they are often utilised by other species such as teal, shoveler and lapwing in smaller numbers. The reserves scrub, grassland & hedgerows support species such as goldfinch, greenfinch, song thrush, starling and long tailed tit all year round, whilst they are often joined by redwing, fieldfare, linnet and lesser redpoll during the winter. Kestrels often observed hunting on the reserve and nest nearby.

Greater spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, blackcap, wren all found in the wooded areas. Kingfishers often seen along the river Don on the eastern boundary. Butterflies such as small copper, meadow brown, common blue, gatekeeper and ringlet all regularly recorded on the grassland.

Additional sluices control water flow, industrial archaeology features from Kilnhurst Forge have been protected, and annual grazing takes place from April to October.

This is all part of the Living Don, a 25 year strategic partnership programme (since 2009), managing the River Don catchment in South Yorkshire, creating a green network from the Peak District to the Lower Don Valley, taking in the floodplains of Sheffield and Rotherham, and reducing the risk of flooding in the urban centres by encouraging wetland habitats. Email us for more information.