Stagecoach 17 (Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays) from Chesterfield, Matlock, Wirksworth and Ashbourne
Facilities
The site is owned by Severn Trent Water who have constructed large car parks at the
Visitor's Centre on the west side of the water, at Millfields at the south east corner of
the dam and at Sheepwash on the north west side of the water. There is a parking
charge at the Visitor's Centre and at Millfields, but Sheepwash is free. Grid refs for car parks are,
Sheepwash SK248528, Millfields SK248499 & Visitor Centre SK241516.
Millfields car park became pay on entry in 2001. Anyone who has already paid at the Visitor Centre car
park can obtain a token for Millfields from the information desk at the Visitor Centre.
Toilets, a restaurant and shops can be found at the Visitor's Centre. There are also toilets at
Millfields and refreshments (seasonal). Bicycles can also be hired at the Centre.
There are now four bird watching hides, one at the Wildlife Centre near the
Visitor's Centre which is large, comfortable and heated in the Winter, large wooden hides
are at Sheepwash, at Lane End situated along the perimeter track south west from
Sheepwash Car Park and The Paul Stanley hide that opened in September 2001 north of the spit and accessed via Sheepwash Car Park. Disabled access is very good.
What to see
The site has a very large list and full details of the birds can be obtained from the
log in Sheepwash hide or the list displayed in the Wildlife Centre. The site is good
for wildfowl, waders and common migrants. In winter, divers and rarer grebes are a
possibility along with white-winged gulls. During the migration periods, Osprey are
almost guaranteed. Terns are common and you stand a good chance of seeing Raven and
Buzzard during a spring/summer trip. All the common warblers can be found along with
breeding Redstarts. Tree Sparrows can be found in good numbers at the Wildlife
Centre feeding station.
Click this link for Carsington Water bird news
DOS Verdict
A very good family site with good access and facilities and something for everyone.
(Thanks also to Brian Cuttell for some of the above)
Top of Page
