Carsington Water
AshbourneOpenSee opening timesWelcome to this bustling reserve that blends peaceful nature reserve with family-friendly activities. Whether you're birdwatching or sailing, welcome to Carsington Water.
About
Owned and managed by Severn Trent Water, Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by wildflower meadows and native woodlands, ponds and reedbeds.
Explore on your own or ask for some birdwatching tips from our staff in the RSPB shop, where you can watch for Buzzards, Kingfishers and Lapwings. Carsington Water reserve boasts a range of wildlife habitats from ancient hedgerows, species-rich wildflower meadows and native woodlands, to pond and scrapes, reedbeds and contains carefully-managed islands.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities at Carsington Water, including cycle hire, picnics, a climbing wall, adventure playground and a sailing club.
Carsington Water is owned by Severn-Trent Water. Please check their website for opening times of facilities other than the RSPB shop at this site.
This is not an RSPB-run car park, so there is unfortunately no free parking for RSPB members. Please see Severn Trent Water's car parking information for details of parking charges at this site.
At a glance
Contact Carsington Water
carsington.water@rspb.org.uk RSPB Shop, Unit 1 Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1ST 01629 541842