England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Derbyshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Derbyshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Willington Wetlands

Near Willington.

Habitat: Flooded gravel pits with open water, reedbeds and surrounding wetland vegetation.
Wildlife to look for: Eurasian beaver (reintroduced into an enclosure; elusive), sand martin (spring and summer) and common tern (spring and summer).

02 / 05

Near Bolsover.

Habitat: Open water, marsh, wet and dry grassland, scrub and trees.
Wildlife to look for: Wigeon (winter), teal (particularly winter), water rail (especially winter; elusive), reed warbler (spring and summer) and hobby (late summer and early autumn).

03 / 05

Near Drakelow, near Burton-upon-Trent.

Habitat: Former gravel pits and riverside meadow on the River Trent floodplain.
Wildlife to look for: Cormorant, water rail (elusive), reed warbler (spring and summer) and bittern (mainly winter; elusive).
Access note: A permit and access code are required; contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust before visiting.

04 / 05

Near Cromford, near Matlock.

Habitat: Traditional limestone meadows with woodland patches, hedgerows and two dewponds.
Wildlife to look for: Brown argus butterfly (summer), goldfinch, nuthatch, great crested newt (ponds; elusive) and hawfinch (occasional winter visitor).
Access note: Stay on the footpaths—the reserve contains old mine shafts.

05 / 05

Near Miller’s Dale, near Buxton.

Habitat: A steep limestone gorge with the River Wye, ash woodland and flower-rich grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Dipper, spotted flycatcher (summer), blackcap (spring and summer), chiffchaff (spring and summer) and willow warbler (spring and summer).