How to get there

• Click here for Ordnance Survey location map.
• Access to the site is from the B6050 to the west of Cutthorpe.
• The site can be found on the Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet 119.
• Public transport: The 89 (Hulleys) from Chesterfield.

Overview

Lying 4 miles NW of Chesterfield, Linacre is an attractive mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland surrounding the open water of three reservoirs. Now redundant, the reservoirs were constructed between 1855 and 1904 to provide water supplies to Chesterfield, the middle one being the last to be completed. The whole area together with some of the adjacent farmland remains in the ownership of Severn-Trent Water; the woodland is now managed for its wildlife interest and the water levels maintained at around full capacity.

Likely species

The area is best explored by taking a circular walk around the three reservoirs starting from the bottom car park at SK336727 - a distance of 2.5 miles. From the car park walk down the road and turn right by the toilet block to reach the lower reservoir. Surrounded by hills the site is relatively sheltered and thus worth a visit even in poor weather. It offers varied interest throughout the year, but a week-day visit may be preferred as Linacre is popular with dog-walkers at weekends.

The reservoirs should give views of Mandarin, a site speciality. Present throughout the year, numbers peak in the autumn. During the winter months other wildfowl are likely: Tufted Duck and Goosander occur regularly while Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard and Goldeneye are occasionally found. A recent highlight was a herd of 27 Whooper Swans present throughout the Easter weekend of 2008. Later in the year Great-Crested Grebe, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail can be seen; Common Scoter was recorded in both 2007 and 2008.

The wooded areas can be explored more fully by using the network of smaller paths leading off the circular route. A conifer plantation lies to the south of the middle reservoir attracting Goldcrest, Siskin and Crossbill. The adjacent beech woodlands should be checked for Brambling; singing Wood Warblers were also present in 2008. The remaining wooded areas are equally productive with resident populations of Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, all three Woodpecker species, Willow Tit and Bullfinch; these are joined in spring by Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, and Pied Flycatcher.

The surrounding farmland can be visited by using footpaths south towards Old Brampton or north to Pratthall. Look out for Grey Partridge, Blackcap and Yellowhammer, and use the more open views to scan for raptors such as Common Buzzard

Click here for recent site records..

Anne Johnson