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Star species

Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.

Buzzard

The buzzard is now the UK's most numerous bird of prey. Listen for their mewing calls, or keep an eye out for them as they soar overhead on sunny days.

Buzzard

Great crested grebe

Watch the amazing courtship ritual of great crested grebes on the open water in spring. You may see pairs performing their 'weed dance' when they present one another with weed and patter across the surface of the water together.

Great crested grebe (illustration)

Kingfisher

Spend time in the hides and you may be rewarded with an unforgettable kingfisher encounter. Listen for their shrill, piping calls and then watch for the flash of blue and orange.

Kingfisher (illustration)

Lapwing

In spring, lapwings breed here. Visit then and you'll see their weird and wonderful displays and hear the calls which give them the folk name 'peewit'.

lapwing (illustration)

Tufted duck

This diving duck is a common breeding bird here. Look out for broods of brown ducklings in late spring and summer.

Tufted duck (illustration)

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 53.060801,-1.641264
  • Postcode: DE6 1ST
  • Grid reference: SK241515
  • Nearest town: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
  • County: Derbyshire
  • Country: England

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