Aren't birds brilliant > Sites > Carsington Water

Young boy using a telescope at Carsington Water Staff and volunteers will be on hand to show you the birds every Tuesday and Sunday.

Carsington Water

1 April 2008 to 16 June 2009

Binoculars or telescopes available for use Video link RSPB staff on hand to help Refreshments available Toilets

There are fantastic birds to be seen at Severn Trent Water's Carsington Water all year round.

In spring, the reservoir is home to breeding birds such as lapwings, redshanks, tree sparrows, redstarts and ravens.

In winter, up to 6,000 birds may gather on the reservoir including goldeneyes, tufted ducks, gadwalls, wigeons, teals and coots.

You may also catch a glimpse of some of Carsington Water's regular rare visitors - divers, grebes and waders.

As well as enjoying the birds on the reservoir, from the comfort of the wildlife discovery centre be amazed by the wide variety of birds that visit the feeding station outside.

So that you don't miss a thing live CCTV images from around the site are shown on screens in the wildlife centre and restuarant.

This event is free, but there is car park charge.

A very big 'THANK YOU' to all the helpers and volunteers who have made birdwatching so enjoyable this year. I've learned so much and can actually identify some birds on my own!

Anonymous

Opening times

We'll be here every Tuesday and Sunday, 10.30 am-4 pm (3.30 pm October-March) except between Christmas and New Year. We also hold other regular events every week throughout the year. Please contact the regional office for further information.

Join a Severn Trent Water volunteer ranger on the first Sunday of every month for a birdwatching for beginners walk, 10 am-12 noon. Please bring walking boots, suitable clothing, binoculars and a notebook. Children over 12 years only please. Sorry no dogs. Booking is advised, please call 01629 540696. Meet at the Carsington Water Visitor Centre reception.

Facilities

There will be several telescopes and three pairs of binoculars available for you to use. Indoor viewing opportunities from the wildlife discovery centre are available via a CCTV link from cameras around the site (hopefully including a nestbox camera) and a remote controlled camera - images from which can be seen on the screens in the wildlife centre. Staff and volunteers will also be on hand to show you the birds on specific event days.

Refreshments and toilets are available on site.

How to get there

By car
Carsington Water is off the B5035, north east of Ashbourne. Brown signs will direct you to the site.

By train/by bus
The nearest train stations are Matlock and Cromford. The 411 bus route takes in Ashbourne, Matlock, Cromford and Wirksworth and goes to the visitor centre. There are about five services a day.

Enquiries

Telephone: RSPB Midlands Regional Office on 01295 676440

Why not make a day of it?

Nearby attractions that you may also like to visit:

This is a joint project between the RSPB and Severn Trent Water. Thanks also to The Carsington Bird Club who have sightings listed for birds seen on the reservoir.