Westthorpe Hills
This countryside site was where Westthorpe Colliery used to be. Now it is transformed and is a great place for both people and wildlife.
How to find us
Westthorpe Hills is between Killamarsh and Spinkhill in North East Derbyshire. It is close to junction 30 of the M1. From the A616, follow the signs to Spinkhill and then to Westthorpe. This countryside site is off Green Lane, Ordnance Survey grid ref 453 796.
Parking
There is on-street parking on Westthorpe Fields Road, off Green Lane.
What makes Westthorpe special?
The woodland, grassland and pond here provide a mosaic of habitats that are good for wildlife. We are managing the site to maintain and improve these habitats.
Around the site, the paths are surfaced to make it easy to get around - whether you are walking, cycling or horse riding. And if you want to explore further, follow the path to the Trans Pennine Trail, which will take you to the Chesterfield Canal or Rother Valley Country Park.
What might you see?
At least 38 species of breeding birds make their home in the woodland and scrub. Listen for their song all year round.
In the spring see if you can hear the distinctive call of a chiff chaff or willow warbler singing in the trees.
On a warm summer's day look for peacock butterflies basking in the grassland, or the speckled wood flitting along the woodland paths.
Watch out overhead and you may see a kestrel hovering, looking for a tasty snack. Buzzards have also been spotted soaring high above on thermal currents.
In the evening you could see bats flying around; they are our smallest mammals. You might also spot foxes foraging around the site.
Facilities available
- Footpath
- Bridleway/Horseriding trail
- Picnic area
- Woodland with public access
- Wildlife area
- Museum
- Light refreshments
- Parking
- Toilets
- Easy access for all
- On-site information
- Camping/Caravan site
- Children's play area
- Gardens
- Nature trail
- Events area
- Cycle path
Contact details
- Address
- Unknown
- Telephone
- Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058
- countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk
Related documents
The following document is in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)