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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. Jégmadár are common here, also during Summer Csilpcsalpfüzike, fitiszfüzike and Barátposzáta.
(*2). The small woodland has Zöld küllo, Nagy fakopáncs and a good chance of kormosfejű cinege as well as already mentioned Summer migrants.
(*3). Continue on this path crossing concrete road and walk along side the Giltbrook, during Summer Mezei poszáta and kis poszáta are regular here, later in the year Szürke légykapó are possible.
(*4). Continue and turn Right over footbridge, cigánycsuk, Mezei pacsirta and Nádi sármány, during Summer look and listen for Réti tücsökmadár and Foltos nádiposzáta. Hedges here have Citromsármány and sárgafejű királyka.
(*5). Continue North, at Right turn Gyöngybagoly (dawn/dusk) are regularly seen hunting, occasionally in Winter Réti fülesbagoly can be seen quartering the grassland here. Continue and turn Left (signed Eastwood), crossing fields look out for szőlőrigó and fenyőrigó in Winter, continue and turn Left at tarmac road crossing River Erewash towards Erewash Canal.
(*6). At canal Füsti fecske, Molnárfecske and Sarlósfecske with Kis vöcsök and Kontyos réce on the canal, occasionally a Küszvágó csér can be seen.
(*7). Turn Right and walk along the canal, at aquaduct over the River Erewash stop and look for hegyi billegető or maybe Jégmadár, the nearby trees hold Summer migrants and in Winter Zsezse and Csíz.
(*8). Continue along canal path to Eastwood Lock, cross canal here and in front of you is North Marsh. Egerészölyv, Karvaly and vörös vércse are regular here with Sárszalonka and Kis sárszalonka in Winter.
(*9). Continue on towpath and at bridge yet another chance of Mezei poszáta and kis poszáta are usual.
(*10). Continue on footpath towards disused Nottingham Canal, near next bridge (do not cross), turn Right and follow canal. Léprigó and Énekes rigó are regular here, listen out for kormosfejű cinege. Continue on this path and cross tarmac path.
(*11). Water Treatment Works, Angliai barázdabillegető and hegyi billegető can be found here, in Summer Sarlósfecske, Füsti fecske, Molnárfecske and partifecske are usually around.
(*12). National Coal Board Disposal Site, near the viaduct look out for vörös vércse, 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 Aranylile can sometimes be found resting in the flooded fields. Csörgo réce and Fütyülő réce 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).