Derwent Meadows Nature Reserve

Derwent Meadows is an 18-hectare nature reserve, originally created in 2007 as part of Derby Commercial Park. In 2022, management of the site was taken over by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who have since transformed it through a rewilding project. This work has included clearing overgrown areas, restoring wetlands, creating new habitats to attract a wider range of wildlife, and installing bird and bat boxes.

Situated beside the River Derwent, the reserve now comprises a diverse mix of habitats, including wet and dry grasslands, deciduous woodland, hedgerows, and ponds.

On the grasslands, the distinctive, staccato song of Cetti’s warblers can often be heard, alongside sightings of reed buntings, wheatears, meadow pipits, and whinchats. The wet meadows support a variety of wading birds, including little ringed plovers, lapwings, and the occasional great white egret. In summer, swallows and house martins skim low over the ponds, catching insects and dipping down to drink.

The woodland is home to green woodpeckers, bullfinches, siskins, redpolls, chiffchaffs, and treecreepers. Overhead, birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels, and sparrowhawks can often be seen soaring and hunting.

A walk along the river may reward you with views of grey herons, kingfishers, little grebes, cormorants, and dippers. During winter, the site hosts flocks of waterfowl including tufted ducks, wigeons, shovelers, teals, and goosanders, along with black-headed and great black-backed gulls.

Access to Derwent Meadows is via Fernhook Avenue. A riverside path connects the reserve to Alvaston Park. Please note that some trees, particularly the large poplars in the woodland, have been identified as potentially hazardous. For your safety, avoid entering the Courtauld’s Wood during extreme weather, and steer clear of these trees.

There is no designated car park at the reserve, but limited roadside parking is available. Additional parking can be found in the surrounding area.

Please note, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept on a lead at all times.