Grid Ref: SK5270 use Explorer 28 Sherwood Forest

Owner:Derbyshire Countryside Service

Habitat:A restored Colliery site with open grassland and young plantations. The main Dragonfly interest are the two ponds adjacent to Whaley Road at SK525706

Access:Park at SK525706. The two small ponds are through the five barred gate on your left as you enter the car park.

Specialities:Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator & Black Tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum are found on the small ponds by the car park.

Other Natural History Interest in the summer: Bee Orchids can be found in the more mature areas of grassland. Good numbers of Skylark can be seen. In the summer if you have the time it is worth the walk to the high point at SK 525709. This allows you to look over a wide area into the Dukeries and also over Scarcliffe Park. On a good day keep an eye out for raptors including Sparrowhawk, Hobby and Common Buzzard. If you are lucky there is even a chance of the Welbeck Honey Buzzards. It is a potential spot for visual bird migration and deserves more attention.

Associated Sites:Creswell Crags, the main pool is worth a check if you are in the area. Welbeck if it's a good day for Honey Buzzards and the chance of Hobby clobbering hawkers.

Grub Sites:Emperor Class, the Elm Tree Pub at Elmton SK 504733. Black Sheep on handpull, need I say more? Splendid bar meals plus a beer garden if you've brought the family. Keep an eye out and your bins handy for Hobby and Buzzard.