Peter Fidler & Carr Vale Nature Reserves

We have an abundance of great scenery and places to spot and appreciate wildlife in Derbyshire. The Peter Fidler and Carr Vale Nature Reserves on the way to Bolsover are two such examples.

Born in 1769 at Mill Farm, next to the former colliery site, Peter Fidler was a famous North American explorer and Chief Surveyor of the Hudson Bay Company in Canada. Fidler is to Canada, what Captain James Cook was to Australia. At the entrance to the reserve, there is a commemorative stone cairn, similar to one that he has in Dauphin, Canada.

The reserve is at the end of the Stockley Trail and you can cycle, walk and even horse ride to Stockley Ponds, Doe Lea Nature Reserve and Carr Vale Nature Reserve. The walk is flat and accessible, making it ideal for the elderly and anybody with mobility issues. I briskly walked around both nature reserves in 35 minutes (with a couple of stops for photos), but to really enjoy it, allow 60‐90 minutes.

At the top of Carr Vale Flash, there are lovely views across to both Bolsover Castle and Sutton Scarsdale Hall and also footpaths that lead to Sutton Scarsdale and Palterton if you are wanting to extend the walk.

During the summer months, a variety of wildlife can be spotted in the area. Dragonflies, damselflies and a range of butterflies all be spotted on a warm, sunny day.

The Carr Vale Flash was recently named one of the top‐5 sights n Derbyshire for birdwatching. On a good day you may spot Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Cetti’s Warblers, Oyster Catcher, Great Crested Grebes and Water Rail. During the winter months, Gadwall, Teal, Widgeon, Goosander and Snipe can all be spotted.

For a lovely walk, with great views and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, a trip to Peter Fidler and Carr Vale is highly recommended.

The Peter Fidler Car park is on Riverside Way, Bolsover (Sat Nav‐ S44 6GA) and there are 15 regular parking bays and 2 disabled parking spots.

By Scott Antcliffe S A Photography