Owner:Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT)

Habitat:A wonderful wetland complex in the Doe Lea valley designed and managed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust & birding enthusiasts to attract a wealth of wildlife. The original site began as a large pool created by mining subsidence, known locally as a flash. Another flash developed to the south of the main pool. In recent years new pools and reed beds have been created by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork Creswell in consultation with the local birders. This new patchwork of habitats is proving to be ideal for the Dragonfly enthusiast to observe a terrific assemblage of Derbyshire species. 

Access:Free public access on the public footpath network off the Stockley Trail and adjacent Peter Fidler Reserve. Please keep on the paths and please respect the fences and do not walk onto the reserve itself. There is an excellent upraised viewpoint to scan over the new pools and areas of shingle. The paths go alongside the Doe Lea, main pool and south flash to search for Dragons.

Specialities:With 17 species of Dragonfly on the site list this site must rate as one of the premier Derbyshire sites to get to grips with most of the County Dragonflies. Its big four are Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator, Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata, Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum and Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum, all current Derbyshire Red Data species. This site has had one record of Common Hawker Aeshna juncea Other Natural History interest in the summer: This site is developing into one of the best wetland sites in the county. It is well watched by an enthusiastic bunch of birders lead by the intrepid Mark Beevers. Therefore not much is missed moving through the reserve. It is now a confirmed birding hotspot. A stream of rarities have been found over the years including Lesser Yellowlegs, Black Kite, Common Rosefinch as well as goodies such as Wryneck. The site links into the Rother Valley Flyway and certainly picks up birds on migration. In some years there are 7 species of breeding duck. It is a haven for waders such as Redshank, Lapwing and Little Ringed Plover and there is a good chance of a variety of migrants.

So whilst looking for Dragons always keep an eye on the sky! The upraised viewpoint allows watchers to scan the main pools and reedbed areas and it is a good place to meet up with regular birders.

Associated sites:Peter Fidler Reserve and the Stockley Trail