Bird Watching in the Peak District

Derbyshire is a county with a wide diversity of scenery and habitat and which makes it an ideal place for birds and birdwatching. The diverse habitats range from high peat bogs to grit-stone edges, heather and heath to moorlands, and from dales and river valleys to ancient and new woodland with large areas of pasture and industrial areas too.

Each habitat has its own particular bird life. Changes in the county have seen some species lost such as Black Grouse and Corn Crake, with Nightjars just holding on but very scarce. Grey partridge, Tree Sparrows and other farmland species are struggling due to modern intensive farming methods but such species as Common Buzzard, Peregrine and Raven have returned to the county.

Gravel Pit workings in the south of the county have created more water with marsh and reedbed areas for wildfowl, waders and warblers. The reclamation of the old colliery spoil heaps in the northeast has created several new nature reserves and woodland areas. The old railway lines and cuttings have been reclaimed creating trails with diverse habitats. The abundance of varied habitats accounts for the richness and variety of the bird species in the county. Above all, birdwatching in Derbyshire can be an excellent challenge at any time of the year, with the possibility of encountering a wide range of species. There are, of course, few counties in England that can boast such spectacular scenery.

Top Derbyshire Bird Watching Sites

Birdholme Wildfowl Reserve

(SK380680) A61 south of Chesterfield. N area of meadow, willow scrub, reedy marsh and a man-made lake. Kingfisher, winter wildfowl and summer warblers.

Brinsley Flash/Erewash Valley

(SK440490) Shallow water flashes created by mining subsidence. Ongoing work to improve the site.

Carr Vale Nature Reserve

(SK460690) Carr Vale Nature Reserve, which was formed though subsidence in an old mining area, consists of open water fringed by reedmace, sedges and rushes surrounded by meadowlands with the river Doe Lea running along the south side. On the west is the M1. On the north side spoil heaps have been landscaped and is scrub. There are no hides but a viewing mound overlooks the area and has disabled access. It attracts winter wildfowl and large plover flocks. The nearby sewage works attracts Water Rail, Jack Snipe and Rock Pipit. Being part of the Rother valley means that it is a funnel for migration. Several county firsts have been recorded here including Common Rosefinch and Lesser Yellowlegs. It is also good for Yellow-browed Warbler, Firecrest, Wryneck etc. Access is off the A632 - from Chesterfield, continue over the roundabout then take the first right onto Villas Road, along which, at the sharp 90% bend, carry straight on to a rough track and follow this to a small car parking area near the entrance of the Nature Reserve. Alternatively you can turn right at the roundabout & follow the road to another carpark. From here the Nature Reserve is via a footpath over the old colliery tip. Disabled access has been incorporated into the planned changes to the Reserve.

Carsington Water

(SK240510) Carsington water is situated c.12 miles northwest of Derby and 4 miles northeast of Ashbourne set in countryside on the edge of the Peak District. It is surrounded by pasture with hedgerows of hawthorn and mature woodlands & younger plantation. The northern area of the reservoir is a wildlife zone with limited access. The rest of the reservoir is used for sailing and angling. There are now 4 hides, one at the Wildlife Centre near the visitor`s centre, the other 3 are sign-posted & have good disabled access and can easily be accessed from the Sheepwash carpark. There is a parking charge for the Visitor`s Centre carpark and at Millfields [both have toilets]. Anyone who has paid at the Visitor Centre carpark can obtain a token from the information desk for Millfields carpark too. Sheepwash carpark is free but the gates are locked at 1800hrs after the fishing season end. The Visitor Centre has refreshments and a shop with optical equipment, bird books, feeders etc.

Chatsworth Park

(SK260700) Chatsworth Park is typical artificial parkland with large wooded and plantation areas of oaks and other trees and shrubs. The River Derwent runs through the park, which is to the west of the moor land, and is great for Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Goosander and Common Sandpiper. The whole park is private property, with the area to the south open all year round to the public. Access from the A6 Matlock - Bakewell road at Rowsley and onto the A623 Baslow road or from the A619 Bakewell to Baslow road.

Church Wilne Reservoir

(SK460320) Access to this site is strictly by permit only from the Severn Trent Water Plc and is via a minor road between Sawley and Breeston. It is a deep, steep concrete banked reservoir with adjacent grassed banks and scrub.

Cromford Canal

(SK310550) This is an area of some ¾ miles of partially disused canal surrounded by deciduous woodland and riverside Meadows. The River Derwent runs almost adjacent to the canal for its whole length. All carparks are situated off the A6 Derby - Matlock road. The Wharf carpark is accessible off the A6 at Cromford but the other free carpark, which is probably best for birdwatching, is adjacent to the High Peak Junction and is sign-posted and has toilets.

Darley Park

(SK350380) The park is close to the village of Darley Abbey - in the suburbs of Derby) which sits along the River Derwent. The area constantly shows an excellent selection of woodland birds and other wildlife.

Drakelow Wildlife Reserve

(SK220200) Access via the A38 Derby - Lichfield road south of Burton on the Walton-on-Trent road. Entry is by permit only (available from the National Power, Drakelow Power Station, Burton-upon-Trent). The entrance to the reserve is 1 mile north of Walton village. There is a car park for birders. The habitat is disused gravel workings with open water, reedbeds and scrub.

Elvaston Castle Country Park

(SK400320) Old parkland with lake. Currently under threat of development email Graham Mansey, Secretary, Friends of Elvaston graham@mansey.freeserve.co.uk for details.

Foremark Reservoir

(SK330230) Access via the A514 Derby - Swadlincote road. At Ticknall take the road for Repton and after approx ½ mile turn left into the reservoir carpark, which is signposted. You can also take the Ticknall - Swadlincote road and turn right into the car park at Carvers Rocks. Carvers Rocks is a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve and is mainly woodland with bracken areas. The with farmland and a large coniferous plantation close by. The surrounding banks are steep and only the sandy shallow banks are exposed when the water level drops. The reservoir has a good list of county rarities.

Goyt Valley and Axe Edge

(SK015758) Mainly grit-stone valley with large reservoirs, plantations and open moorland. Best in spring and summer for Red Grouse, Wheatear, Golden Plover Curlew, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Redstart, Wood Warbler Dipper, Pied Flycatcher and Red-breasted Merganser. Easily accessed from the old A6 Buxton - Manchester road, now the A5002 or from the A537 Buxton - Macclesfield road, there area several car parks in the valley.

Kedleston Park

(SK310400) Large country house with open parkland, lakes and woods with a variety of tree species. Access - see road map for different access points from the north and south.

Linacre Valley

(SK320720) Via B6050 has three reservoirs and a nature trail around all three. Good for winter wildfowl.

Longshaw Estate

(SK260790) Accessed off the Sheffield - Grindleford road or the Chesterfield - Hathersage road. Large areas of open moor land with and clumps of mixed woodland, which in some years attracts small parties of Crossbills.

Middleton Moor Lagoons

(SK200740) Access to this site is via the A623 Baslow - Buxton road, turning left at the junction sign-posted Cavendish Mill. To access the No.3 Lagoon, take the first left, follow the road (beware of heavy vehicles and machinery) until you approach a gate on your right-hand side. A notice says No Trespassing, but this is the entrance so follow the path to the hide. To access the No.4 Lagoon retrace your steps, turn left and the take the next two left turnings which will take you down an unsurfaced road to the Lagoon. Please park sensibly so as not to block any of the roads.

Moss Valley

B6056 at Marsh lane; woodpeckers, warblers and finches.

Northeast Derbyshire Moors

The area comprises Beeley Moor (SK290700); East Moor (SK290700); Brampton East Moor, Gibbet Moor (SK270760) and Harewood Moor (SK300670). Access is via A619 from the North or B5057 in the South. This large area is mainly heath and bog and largely treeless. The most productive area is adjacent to Arkwright Plantation and from Beeley Triangle to Slagmill Plantation. It is terrific for raptors and the usual moorland species. Matlock Forest`s focal point is Flash Lane (SK300590) and holds woodcock and nightjar. Barbrook Reservoir on Big Moor attracts many migrants to its waters edge as well as interesting wintering finches and buntings.

Ogston Reservoir

(SK370600) Ogston Reservoir lies 2 miles southwest of Clay Cross. 208 acres of water can easily be watched from the road side and carparks with a public hide in the west bank carpark. The reservoir is surrounded by pastures and mixed woodland. It is bound by steep banks on the eastern side, the dam wall at the southeast end and shallow banks elsewhere, presenting a multitude of diverse habitats along an important migration route. There are 3 hides for the Ogston Bird Club members to use. If you require an information pack please send an A4 SAE. to Bryan Hartley, 4 Rose Cottages, Smiths Lane, Stretton, Derbyshire DE55 6EU - tel 01246 865291 Mobile 07889 788787, email bryan54@btinternet.com It is probably the best watched site in the county and has the longest bird list.

Padley Gorge

(SK250790) This is where moorland gives way to deciduous woodland in the gorge. The easiest access is from Grindleford Railway Station just off the north side of the B6521 at Nether Padley. Spring is the best time to visit when migration is in full swing for Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler, woodpeckers, warblers, Tree Pipit, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel and Cuckoo.

Pleasley Pit

(SK495645) Access off the A617 Roundabout Glapwell - Mansfield Road take the minor road to Pleasley. After leaving the roundabout take the first right almost immediately into Pit Lane opposite the bus stop. Drive up to the Pit gates and park avoiding blocking the gate and private drives. Walk through the gap at the right handside of the locked main gate. This is a young site with much potential. A typical local patch which if you put in the hours will reward your patience. There is a mix of habitats. Even the neighbouring arable fields are worth a listen for Quail in some summers. The sides of the tip were planted in 2000/01 with a mix of broadleafed trees. Large areas of grassland provide home to 50+ singing Skylark in the spring with Meadow Pipit and Lapwing enjoying the wide open spaces. A 3 hectare shallow pool dominates the site with spits and islands and water level control facility. This has been designed with waders in mind. It has already attracted some excellent birds including Wood Sandpiper, Knot, Temmincks Stint Little Stint Curlew Sandpiper. Please keep out of the fenced off areas.

Shiningcliff Wood

(SK330520) Access from A6 Derby - Matlock road, north of Ambergate. Mixed deciduous woodland and conifers along the side of the River Derwent. Species in summer include Wood Warbler, Redstart, and Pied Flycatcher. In winter holds good numbers of thrushes and finches.

Staunton Harold Reservoir

(SK370230) Access from the A514 Derby - Swadlincote road onto the B587 to Melbourne. Turn right after approx ½ mile into the pay-and-disoplay car park at the dam wall. Alternatively drive south for c.2 miles along the B857 and turn right into the carpark near Spring Wood at the south end of the reservoir. From this carpark, you can drive west and take the right turn at the first road junction to the carpark overlooking the southwest area of the reservoir. The reservoir lies in a natural valley surrounded by woodland and open farmland. The water is fairly shallow in places, with some gently sloping sandy banks. There is some disturbance from sailing and angling. The site is good at any time of the year with a long bird list.

Swarkestone Gravel Pits

(SK360270) Large lake, good for wildfowl in the winter.

The Derbyshire Dales

This area is known as The White Peak, where the underlying carboniferous limestone forms a gentle landscape of rolling hills with some deep valleys. The fast-flowing clear rivers hold Dippers. The woodlands are ash and alders but on the top of the valleys these are replaced by hawthorn scrub, gorse and broom. The most popular dales are Millers Dale (SK 1473); Monsal Dale (SK 1771); Cressbrook Dale (SK 1773) and Chee Dale (SK 1273).

The Upper Derwent Valley and Dams

(SK170890) This impressive area is easily reached via the A57 (Snake Pass) some 10 miles from Chesterfield, 16 miles from Sheffield and Manchester and is very popular with large numbers of visitors especially in the summer. The main features for birders are the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. The reservoirs are deep with steep sides and the valley sides are mainly larch and pine, with some remnants of old oak woodlands. Above the plantations the slopes are generally grassland and mixed heather. The area is known as the Dark Peak because of blackness of the peat and the weathered grit stone. The main attraction for birders is Windy Corner overlooking the Derwent valley sides and Howden Reservoir for passing or thermalling raptors or by following the footpath at Kings Tree onto the open moorland.

Williamthorpe Ponds Nature Reserve

(SK430660) Close to a large industrial complex the larger of the three ponds is surrounded by phragmites and sports an impressive bird list. It was reclaimed from colliery workings and has woodland and meadow too. It is good for many species but the large pond has many water edge specialities and holds the largest colony of reed warblers in the county.

Willington Gravel Pits

(SK280270) Willington Gravel Pits are approx 6 miles south west of Derby to the south west of Willington Village. Access is via the A38 taking the A5132 towards Willington Village. In the village take the B5008 to Repton. 100 meters past the church and 100 meters before the river bridge, the approach road runs southwest down to the pits with some parking (please park sensibly). This lane is the only public access where one can view the Pits. They extend along the Trent Valley floodplain and contain a variety of wetland habitats from large stretches of open water to small shallow pools fringed with Phragmites and willow scrub. There are several small areas of water meadow with sandy/gravel banks and mounds. There is no immediate woodland but the hedgerows along the approach road sustain a variety of trees along with blackthorn and gorse. This is certainly a site to visit at any time of the year. Close by is the Willington Power Station where a pair of Peregrines have nested on one of the water cooling towers viewed from the carpark. NOTE: Everything to the south between the track and the River Trent is owned by the Derbyshire Angling Club and is STRICTLY PRIVATE - please keep off at all times and do not climb over the fences or gates.

Wyver Lane

(SK354486) Access from the A6 at the north of Belper. Take the Ashbourne road; turn right after crossing the River Derwent and right again onto Wyver Lane. View from the lane over the water meadows, which run alongside the River Derwent. Whilst in the area especially in the winter visit the River Gardens for wintering wildfowl.