Our Reserves
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View sightings at The Avenue Washlands
The Avenue Washlands
(Grid reference SK398668)
Location: Wingerworth near Chesterfield
Nearest Town: Chesterfield
Grid reference: SK 398668 (centre of reserve); SK 396670 entrance (OS Landranger 119 and 120)
How to get there: From Chesterfield follow the A61 south past the Hunloke Arms. After a further 0.5 km Mill Lane is the next road on the left. The reserve entrance is 700m down Mill Lane on the right. This gives direct access to the western section of the reserve. The section on the eastern side of the railway is accessible by continuing down Mill Lane on foot and crossing under the main railway line or by footpath from Grassmoor. There are regular public transport services stopping on the A61 at Mill Lane; in Tupton on Queen Victoria Road; and in Grassmoor on North Wingfield Road.
The Avenue Visitor Centre on Mill Lane is only open by prior arrangement, otherwise park on Mill Lane just past the houses. The nature reserve is open at all times.
This wetland reserve consists of newly created reedbed, marsh, ponds and grassland in the valley of the River Rother on part of the site of the now decommissioned Avenue Coking Works.
The new habitat was created in 2005 and a good variety of wildlife has been attracted to add to the species that were already well established. Further restoration work on the northern part of the site should lead to the creation of a further 40ha of nature reserve in 2012.
Access around and through the reserve is largely on wheelchair friendly surfaced paths which lead to a number of viewing screens.
The reserve is important for its water voles and great crested newts. In addition, farmland birds such as skylark and yellowhammer are well established here, while wetland birds including lapwing, tufted duck and little grebe breed on the reserve. Wintering water birds include wigeon, teal and snipe.
As the reedbed and marsh develop it is hoped that reed warbler and sedge warbler will become regular summer visitors. The scrub and tall herb areas of the site attract passerine birds such as grasshopper warbler, linnet and whitethroat.
A good range of butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates create much additional interest.
Discover what happened at our dawn chorus day bird ringing session with Sorby Breck Bird Ringing Group: http://www.britishringers.co.uk/sections/details.php?section=news&id=30