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Description
Carsington Water Reservoir is England's ninth largest. Construction first stated in 1979, unfortunately in 1984, before the reservoir was filled, there was a partial collapse of the Dam, tragically resulting in the deaths of 4 construction workers. The Dam was completely removed and rebuilt in 1989 and the finished Reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth ll in 1992.
(*1) (press STAR on map), Sheepwash Area, this Northern area of the reservoir is closed to Sailing Boats and Windsurfers, Fishing Boats are banned close to Bird Hides. The most Northerly Paul Stanley Bird Hide overlooks Brown Ale Bay (*1a). Close to the South West is Sheepwash Bird Hide (*1b) that faces East. The third Lane End Bird Hide (*1c) that faces South.
(*2), at the main car park/Visitor Centre there is a cafe, restaurant, toilets and RSPB shop, very close to the North is the Wildlife Centre and heated Bird Hide. This looks over the sheltered Shiningford Creek and Horseshoe Island (*2a), this area holds a lot of wildfowl during Winter such as Fütyülő réce, Csörgo réce, Kontyos réce, Kerceréce, Búbos vöcsök and Kis vöcsök, the resident Kanadai lúd, Nyári lúd and 'feral' Apácalúd, various waders can also be found in this area.
(*3), Millfields End, at the reservoirs Southern end close to the Dam, where the water is deepest Hegyi réce, passage Fekete réce and Jeges búvár are usually present in Autumn/Winter/Spring.
Location of Bird Feeders - Sheepwash Area - Sheepwash Car Park, Paul Stanley Bird Hide, Lane End Bird Hide.
Visitor Centre - Wildlife Centre/Bird Hide.
Millfields End - In the Millfields Car Park.
Details
Access
The B3035 road from Ashbourne on the A515 (to the South West) and Cromford on the A6 (to the North East) passes directly past the main Visitor Centre car park. Press P for directions to the car park.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Lake , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Open landscape , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Car Parks Opening Times: Visitor Centre Car Park - April-Sept 0730-2000; Oct-March 0730-1900. Sheepwash Car Park & Millfields Car Park - April-Sept 0800-2000; Oct-March 0800-1900.
NOTE all car parks are fee payable. There is Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), only pay on exit, at machine log in your vehicle number plate, pay by card or cash.