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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. kuningaskalastaja are common here, also during Summer tiltaltti, pajulintu and mustapääkerttu.
(*2). The small woodland has vihertikka, käpytikka and a good chance of hömötiainen as well as already mentioned Summer migrants.
(*3). Continue on this path crossing concrete road and walk along side the Giltbrook, during Summer pensaskerttu and hernekerttu are regular here, later in the year harmaasieppo are possible.
(*4). Continue and turn Right over footbridge, mustapäätasku, kiuru and pajusirkku, during Summer look and listen for pensassirkkalintu and ruokokerttunen. Hedges here have keltasirkku and hippiäinen.
(*5). Continue North, at Right turn tornipöllö (dawn/dusk) are regularly seen hunting, occasionally in Winter suopöllö can be seen quartering the grassland here. Continue and turn Left (signed Eastwood), crossing fields look out for punakylkirastas and räkättirastas in Winter, continue and turn Left at tarmac road crossing River Erewash towards Erewash Canal.
(*6). At canal haarapääsky, räystäspääsky and tervapääsky with pikku-uikku and tukkasotka on the canal, occasionally a kalatiira can be seen.
(*7). Turn Right and walk along the canal, at aquaduct over the River Erewash stop and look for virtavästäräkki or maybe kuningaskalastaja, the nearby trees hold Summer migrants and in Winter urpiainen and vihervarpunen.
(*8). Continue along canal path to Eastwood Lock, cross canal here and in front of you is North Marsh. hiirihaukka, varpushaukka and tuulihaukka are regular here with taivaanvuohi and jänkäkurppa in Winter.
(*9). Continue on towpath and at bridge yet another chance of pensaskerttu and hernekerttu are usual.
(*10). Continue on footpath towards disused Nottingham Canal, near next bridge (do not cross), turn Right and follow canal. kulorastas and laulurastas are regular here, listen out for hömötiainen. Continue on this path and cross tarmac path.
(*11). Water Treatment Works, Englanninvästäräkki and virtavästäräkki can be found here, in Summer tervapääsky, haarapääsky, räystäspääsky and törmäpääsky are usually around.
(*12). National Coal Board Disposal Site, near the viaduct look out for tuulihaukka, 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 kapustarinta can sometimes be found resting in the flooded fields. tavi and haapana 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).