Common Name
 |
| Banded Demoiselle |
| Common Darter |
The Five Mile section from St Helena's Bridge SK 387724 to Mill Green Staveley SK 429747
Owner:Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service
Habitat:This section of the canal has been transformed
since 1989 from a filled in litter strewn trench to a living waterway.
This has been
achieved
thanks to the partnership of Derbyshire County Council's Consulting
Engineers, Countryside Service, The Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Three
Valleys Partnership. The Canal in this section is now back in water with
meadows, new tree plantings and exciting sections such as Blue Bank Pools
SK 395747. Bringing a green oasis into the heart of Chesterfield.
Access:Park at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at Lockoford Lane off the A61 at ''Tescos roundabout'' The Visitor Centre has toilet facilities. It also gives the visitor the chance to pick up information and find out what's about. You can then explore the canal on foot at your own pace. A motorised scooter is available from the visitor centre for disabled visitors. If you wish to look for Dragonflies from the middle of the canal then visit on a Sunday or a Bank Holiday. This is the day the Canal Trust operate their boat The John Varley, which for a small fee will take passengers on a leisurely cruise from 13.00hrs to 16.00hrs. For further information on the Chesterfield Canal contact The Three Valleys Partnership, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre Lockoford Lane Chesterfield Tel 01246 551035 or email Tapton.Lock@Talk21.com
Specialities:Oddities can turn up, Black Darter Sympetrum danae in 2001 and the chance of Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens. The canal towpath gives the observer the chance to see Dragons and damselflies at close hand along the side of the canal and associated wetland areas.
Other Natural History Interest in the Summer:
The Canal is proving to be wonderful place for Water Vole, the chance of Grass Snake & Kingfisher and superb views of Little Grebe.
Associated sites:Brearley Park Local Nature Reserve SK396746 and Pools Brook Country Park.
Grub Stops: Darter Class: The Visitor Centre at Tapton Lock sells icecreams, cold/hot drinks & sweets.