The River Rother, once one of the most polluted rivers in Europe, runs through Catcliffe and is one of the hidden gems of the village. There are walks which take you along it’s banks. 
In August 2016, the Wildlife Trust upgraded the river facilities to improve matters for wildlife and the local environment.
On the eastern bank of the river lies Catcliffe Flash which was created by overspill from the river and submergence caused by mining. This is a haven for water based wild life. The whole area around the river has been designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and is managed by the Wildlife Trust.