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Description
Bennerley Marsh is an excellent area of mixed habitats. The area once a coal mine with blast furnaces is now a wildlife reserve. The River Erewash (the county border) meanders North to South. The area has two tree lined canals on the West and East sides (one of which is disused), a number of fields used as pasture land and a sewage works. The area is dominated by the large Bennerley Viaduct (built 1877/88) that is now a cycling and walking route. It is one of only two wrought iron viaducts still to be seen in the country, the other one is Meldon Viaduct near Okehampton in Devon.
From the 'fishermans' car park head North along the West side of the disused Nottingham Canal.
(*1), press STAR on map. Common Kingfisher are common here, also during Summer Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.
(*2). The small woodland has Eurasian Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a good chance of Willow Tit as well as already mentioned Summer migrants.
(*3). Continue on this path crossing concrete road and walk along side the Giltbrook, during Summer Greater Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat are regular here, later in the year Spotted Flycatcher are possible.
(*4). Continue and turn Right over footbridge, European Stonechat, Eurasian Skylark and Reed Bunting, during Summer look and listen for Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler. Hedges here have Yellowhammer and Goldcrest.
(*5). Continue North, at Right turn Barn Owl (dawn/dusk) are regularly seen hunting, occasionally in Winter Short-eared Owl can be seen quartering the grassland here. Continue and turn Left (signed Eastwood), crossing fields look out for Redwing and Fieldfare in Winter, continue and turn Left at tarmac road crossing River Erewash towards Erewash Canal.
(*6). At canal Barn Swallow, House Martin and Common Swift with Little Grebe and Tufted Duck on the canal, occasionally a Common Tern can be seen.
(*7). Turn Right and walk along the canal, at aquaduct over the River Erewash stop and look for Grey Wagtail or maybe Common Kingfisher, the nearby trees hold Summer migrants and in Winter Common Redpoll and Eurasian Siskin.
(*8). Continue along canal path to Eastwood Lock, cross canal here and in front of you is North Marsh. Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Eurasian Kestrel are regular here with Common Snipe and Jack Snipe in Winter.
(*9). Continue on towpath and at bridge yet another chance of Greater Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat are usual.
(*10). Continue on footpath towards disused Nottingham Canal, near next bridge (do not cross), turn Right and follow canal. Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush are regular here, listen out for Willow Tit. Continue on this path and cross tarmac path.
(*11). Water Treatment Works, Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail can be found here, in Summer Common Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin are usually around.
(*12). National Coal Board Disposal Site, near the viaduct look out for Eurasian Kestrel, surrounding trees hold Summer migrants.
(*13). Cross bridge over River Erewash (see extra info below), continue on path and near main road stop and scan the area (telescope essential) near the river, in Winter large flocks of European Golden Plover can sometimes be found resting in the flooded fields. Common Teal and Eurasian Wigeon are also possible.
Details
Access
From the M1 Motorway (to the East) exit at junction 26 signed Nottingham A610, leave roundabout at sign Matlock/Ripley/Ilkeston on A610. Eventually leave A610 at sign Ilkeston A6096/Eastwood B6010, at next roundabout take exit signed Ilkeston A6096/Cossall. Continue on A6096 and just after Cotmaney sign turn Right into Newton's Lane, almost immediately turn Left to car park (free-12 spaces), please do not park in road.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , City/village , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Wet , SlipperyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
As of the Summer of 2024 the concrete bridge between (*12) and (*13) is NOW TEMPORARILY CLOSED. To gain access to (*13) walk West from 'fishermans' car park along Newton's Lane.
Unfortunately over the last few years motorcyclist causing damage are gaining access to the reserve (mostly weekends), if you see illegal motorcycles on site please phone the POLICE on freephone 101 and report (possibly use what3words).