Pleasley Pit Country Park & Nature Reserve
Get Ready For An Exciting Adventure
Plus 49 Walks & Cycling Routes
Pleasley Pit Country Park is a special place where you can have lots of fun and learn new things. It's part of a bigger network of trails in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, including the 11-mile long Archaeological Way that goes from Pleasley Pit to Creswell Crags.
One of the paths in this park is the Rowthorne Trail. It's a lovely path for walking and bike riding. It connects to other paths too. Some parts of the trail are not paved and can be steep or have steps, so bike riders need to be careful and let walkers go first.
The Rowthorne Trail is a part of the Phoenix Greenways. These are a bunch of trails that go across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. They used to be railway lines for coal mines but now they're used for fun activities. They're great for walking, bike riding, and in some places, horse riding. The greenways are easy to use and are off-road trails and quiet lanes. They used to be railways and coal mines, but now they're like a Phoenix rising from the ashes of industry.
When you visit Pleasley Pit Country Park and use the Phoenix Greenways, you can see some of the most beautiful places in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. There are lots of fun things to do nearby so you can spend a day, a weekend, or even a week. When you walk through the park's woodland trails, you'll be amazed by all the different homes nature has made. The ground looks like a beautiful carpet with all the colourful wildflowers. Take a break by the shiny lake and enjoy the quiet as the sun's gentle rays warm you. Listen to the happy songs of the local birds, making a wonderful concert in the air.
But there's more! It's not just about nature. There are lots of fun things to do for people of all ages. Have a relaxed picnic in special areas made for families to have fun and laugh together. Play friendly games of football or frisbee on the open green spaces. And don't forget the exciting treasure hunt along the amazing nature trails!
If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful place, find comfort in the beautiful sensory garden. It's like a magical place filled with lovely plants that smell great and are all sorts of bright colours. And the magical play areas will make your imagination fly and give you endless chances to have fun and be creative.
At Pleasley Pit Country Park, we think learning is really important. That's why they organise lots of fun events throughout the year. You can join guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions that will teach you all about the park's special natural wonders and its interesting history.
Habitats include:
A large pond with bird hide (keys can be made available to members of the Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group) - look for the swans that have regularly nested and reared their cygnets here.
Smaller ponds where a record 19 species of dragonfly have been reported.
You might also see the elusive grass snake basking in the sunshine.
Shallow pools that appeal to summer nesting wading birds.
Reed beds − listen for the warblers that nest here.
Magnesian limestone grassland - great for wildflowers, in late spring look for bee orchid and common spotted orchid.
Some small plantation woodlands that are slowly maturing
