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The Sanctuary - Derby
The Sanctuary is Derby’s first bird reserve and
just 3km south of Derby City Centre. It's only 10
hectares in size, so to protect ground-nesting
birds there is no public access on to the site
itself. Viewing opportunities are very good,
however.
The Sanctuary is right next door to Pride Park
Football Stadium in Derby, so it's easy to follow
road signs to get there. Four viewing and
information points have recently been constructed.
Two of these are raised up, and have ramped
wheelchair access. It must be stressed that these
viewing facilities are only reachable through the
public Park and Ride car park at Pride Park in
Derby. This car park is open between 7am-7pm
Monday to Saturday. It's all free; just follow the
road signs to the Football Stadium and adjacent
Park + Ride from all main roads in to Derby. Note
that there is no Sunday access.
One viewing platform gives excellent views of an
artificial sand martin nest bank where around 30
pairs of birds have nested each summer since its
construction in 2004. A new lake now attracts many
lapwing in winter and it is hoped that Little
Ringed Plover may be attracted to the gravel
habitat recently laid down in parts of the site.
Another viewing platform with ramped access looks
out over grassland where Skylark, Reed Bunting,
Stonechat and many other birds are easily seen or
heard. In 2005 a Dartford Warbler spent six weeks
here - the first county sighting in 160 years!
The Sanctuary is incredibly small, so is not
suited to anyone wanting to spend half a day
birdwatching. But its ease of access and closeness
to a busy city centre makes it ideal for anyone
wanting to get a quick birding fix whilst on a
shopping trip, football match day, or visiting
friends in Derby. It's also not far from
Carsington Reservoir. Recent surprise visitors at
The Sanctuary have included a 5-week stay from a
Dartford Warbler and a short stop-over by Curlew
Sandpiper. We hope that birders will feel that a
short detour to The Sanctuary is worthwhile.
From now until spring 2006 there is also a small
display on The Sanctuary at the Museum & Art
Gallery in Derby city centre.
More details and map at
www.prideparksanctuary.com or from Nick Moyes
at Derby Museum on 01332 716659.
Site grid reference: SK375351
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