Leisure and culture Countryside Countryside sites
Many of our countryside sites contain waterways or ponds that provide valuable habitats for wildlife and areas for quiet enjoyment by locals and visitors.
Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.
Fishing is permitted on many of our waterways and ponds.
Several different arrangements exist for the issuing of fishing permits. To find out more about fishing and fishing permits please visit your nearest countryside visitor centre to the area where you wish to fish.
Visitors are not permitted to use boats, inflatable items or any other devices on our waterways and ponds.
A great place for wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Chesterfield Canal towpath or cycle the disused Great Central Railway.
The Chesterfield Canal is an oasis of calm, a beautiful waterway and its surrounding countryside is within minutes of the busy town of Chesterfield.
The Cromford Canal was last used as a working waterway in 1944. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate.
Cromford Wharf is the historic terminus of Cromford Canal. Built at the end of the 18th century, the wharf was designed to cater for large amounts of traffic.
This section of the former Derby canal, including the Borrowash Top Lock, is completely filled in. A public footpath runs the length of the canal.
This section of the former Derby canal is now part of a multiuser route suitable for cycling, horse riding and walking.
The site on the outskirts of Ilkeston is made up of a large lake, a section of the River Nutbrook and a patchwork of unimproved, species rich meadows.
Located on the edge of Pinxton the site comprises a section of the Pinxton Canal and wharf pond. Pinxton Canal was a branch of the Cromford Canal.
Tibshelf Ponds, at the southern end of the Five Pits Trail, is a lovely place for short walks around the ponds, through wildflower rich meadows and woodlands.
Williamthorpe is a great place for enjoying the countryside, particularly for birdwatching and wildflowers. The ponds and reed beds are a wildlife haven.