Pleasley Pit Country Park

The park contains a wide variety of habitats including wetland, grassland, plantations and open water.

A bird hide overlooks the large pond and is available for visitors to use. A key to the hide is available for hire by contacting Clay Cross Countryside Centre on (01246) 866960. Birds you may see on your visit include Mute Swans, Mallards, Moorhens, Coots and a variety of waders.  

Several smaller ponds provide an ideal habitat for dragonflies and damselflies and a record 18 species of dragonfly have been recorded. The magnesium limestone grasslands support several orchid species including Bee orchid and Common spotted orchid.

A regular programme of guided walks looking at wildlife in the park is organised by the Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group. 

Much of the country park is on level ground with surfaced tracks for easier access. The park links to Rowthorne and Pleasley trails suitable for walking, cycling and horseriding.

In dramatic contrast to the country park you will see the remaining pit buildings which are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

There is currently only footpath access from Pit lane, Chesterfield Road, Pleasley Trails network and Long Hedge Lane Bridleway and off the A617 Chesterfield Road opposite New Houghton village.