Staff and volunteers will be on hand to show you the birds every Tuesday and Sunday.

Carsington Water

All year round

We like to wade straight in.

There's nothing better than a long walk beside the water – you never know what you might find!

With our long legs and tweezer-like beaks, we work along Carsington's sheltered banks taking our pick of small aquatic creatures that live in the shallows.

Thanks to our friends at the RSPB and Severn Trent Water, we can enjoy the reservoir's rich wetlands all year round – and so can you.

In spring, we are joined on the reservoir by 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.

Barn owls, buzzards, deer and even the occasional osprey have also all been spotted here, in the heart of rural Derbyshire.

You can explore on foot or view our beachcombing from the comfort of the Wildlife Centre – so we're the only ones who have to get our feet wet!

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

When can you see us?

We'll be here every Tuesday and Sunday, 10.30 am-4 pm (3.30 pm October-March) except between Christmas and New Year.

Get even more from your experience and join one of the many events planned throughout this project

What's at the site?

There will be several telescopes and three pairs of binoculars available for you to use. Refreshments and toilets are available on site.

How to find us

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.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: Chris Johnstone on 07793 902591

Why not make a day of it?

While you're out and about, why not visit one of these?

• Chatsworth House
• Cromford Mill
• Hardwick Hall
• Royal Crown Derby
• Sudbury Hall
• Wirksworth Heritage Centre

This date has been brought to you with the help of Severn Trent Water. Thanks also to The Carsington Bird Club who have sightings listed for birds seen on the reservoir.