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Waterways and wetlands

Many of our countryside sites  contain waterways or ponds that provide valuable habitats for wildlife and areas for quiet enjoyment by locals and visitors.


Pinxton Wharf

Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.

Fishing is permitted on many of our waterways and ponds.

Several different arrangements exist for the issuing of fishing permits. To find out more about fishing and fishing permits please visit your nearest countryside visitor centre to the area where you wish to fish.

Visitors are not permitted to use boats, inflatable items or any other devices on our waterways and ponds.

 

  • Bluebank Pools Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

    A great place for wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Chesterfield Canal towpath or cycle the disused Great Central Railway.


  • Chesterfield Canal

    The Chesterfield Canal is an oasis of calm, a beautiful waterway and its surrounding countryside is within minutes of the busy town of Chesterfield.


  • Cromford Canal

    The Cromford Canal was last used as a working waterway in 1944. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate.


  • Cromford Wharf

    Cromford Wharf is the historic terminus of Cromford Canal. Built at the end of the 18th century, the wharf was designed to cater for large amounts of traffic.


  • Derby Canal (Borrowash)

    This section of the former Derby canal, including the Borrowash Top Lock, is completely filled in. A public footpath runs the length of the canal.


  • Derby Canal (Sandiacre)

    This section of the former Derby canal is now part of a multiuser route suitable for cycling, horse riding and walking.


  • Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadows

    The site on the outskirts of Ilkeston is made up of a large lake, a section of the River Nutbrook and a patchwork of unimproved, species rich meadows.


  • Pinxton Wharf

    Located on the edge of Pinxton the site comprises a section of the Pinxton Canal and wharf pond. Pinxton Canal was a branch of the Cromford Canal.


  • Tibshelf Ponds

    Tibshelf Ponds, at the southern end of the Five Pits Trail, is a lovely place for short walks around the ponds, through wildflower rich meadows and woodlands.


  • Williamthorpe Nature Reserve

    Williamthorpe is a great place for enjoying the countryside, particularly for birdwatching and wildflowers. The ponds and reed beds are a wildlife haven.