Derby is a city in the countryside, and has countryside in the city. Because of this, we can enjoy wildlife right on our doorstep. Derby City Council, through its WildDerby Project, has brought together a series of free walks and activities to help you enjoy wildlife locally. Led by local groups, the walks and activities are also a fun way to improve your health.
To help you decide whether the walk is accessible to you, we have given a description of the terrain. If you have any health concerns, please take medical advice before joining us on a walk or activity. If you are a hearing impaired person and need further information on any of the walks and activities, telephone us on our minicom number 01332 256666.
If you have any questions about our Let's go wild in Derby programme, then you'll find our contact details under further information.
Walks and activities in 2010
You'll find details of events submitted by local groups for our Let's go wild in Derby programme on this webpage.
Our Let's go Wild in Derby 2010 programme was officially launched at Derby's Tourist Information Centre by The Mayoress of the City of Derby, Mrs Lisa Marshall on Friday 19 March.
Copies of the programme are available from various locations, such as local libraries, Council offices and doctor’s surgeries.
For all walks and activities, unless it says you need to book, just come along to the event. You should wear comfortable walking shoes, boots or wellingtons, and bring warm, waterproof clothing, in case it rains. Adults will be responsible for the children with them at all times.
If dogs are allowed, shown by this symbol, 
then owners will be expected to keep them on a lead and be responsible for them at all times. Registered assistance dogs are welcome on all walks and activities.
To help our environment, why not use public transport to get to the start? Nearby bus routes are shown as 6.1, Transpeak. Contact traveline on 0871 2002233 for frequency and times of any service.
To help SatNav users, we have this year included a postcode for each event. Please note that the postcode given, in some instances, will not be the actual meeting point, but the nearest to it.
For details of other walks and activities taking place during 2010 visit:
b-active
BBC Breathing Places
Cycle Derby
The Ramblers 
Discover Derbyshire and the Peak District
Amber Valley - The Heart of Derbyshire
Peak District and Derbyshire
Walk yourself healthy!
If you want to get active, or would like to try something different, there are many walking groups and walk routes in Derby city for you to try. If you are new to exercise and would simply like to know more, then contact the b-active team, or drop us a line on our walking email.
Walks and activities in 2011
We are interested in expanding the Let’s go wild in Derby events programme for 2011. We are looking for walks or activities that are interesting, local and focus on countryside, wildlife or history. If you could lead a walk or activity, please contact us before 7 January 2011.
Click on a month to see the event details for that month.
May, June, July, August, September, October, November, January 2011
May
May and June
Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project
If the pair of peregrines that have successfully nested on the Cathedral since 2006 return in 2010, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will organise a regular Watch Point on Cathedral Green to allow visitors to see the birds and chicks close up through telescopes. If anyone would like to volunteer to help at the Watch Point (no previous experience required) please contact the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. For full Watch Point details, ring the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust office on 01773 881188 or visit their website. For live webcam pictures and blog visit our Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project webpage.
The National Forest Walking Festival
Saturday 22 May to Wednesday 2 June
Telephone 01283 222848 for further information, or visit the Peak District & Derbyshire website.
June
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June, 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday
BBC Springwatch Wild Day Out at Markeaton Park
Join WildDerby, University of Derby, Derby City Council, RSPB, OPAL (The Open Air Laboratories Network), Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES) and many wildlife experts in Derbyshire’s first 24 hour wildlife survey (BioBlitz Search). Help us find the most bugs, bats, birds and wild plants to compile the longest list of species for any site in Derby and Derbyshire. You don’t need to be an expert to help. There will be a day and night programme of walks and activities across the park for everyone to join.
Programme of activities - Saturday 5 June
3pm - BioBlitz Search
Come along to the pitch and putt pavilion to find out about the 24 hour BioBlitz. Pick up a BioBlitz survey sheet in readiness for the official start at 5pm. Help us to find 500 different species!
5pm - BioBlitz Starts
6pm to 7pm, Wildlife Wander
Join WildDerby for a walk around the northern edge of Markeaton Lake to start our list of species, looking at trees and wildflowers. There will be opportunities to use sweep nets and to do tree beating as part of the bug hunt. Learn about some of the things we find.
9pm, Bat Walk
Meet at the pavilion for a walk around the lake with the Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group. Dusk will be at 9.30pm and we will be using bat detectors to record the different types of bat species. Please bring a torch with you.
Dusk till late, Moth Watch
After the bat walk, join the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES) who will be setting up light traps to attract moths. Come and see the amazing variety and colours of moths that live in Markeaton Park.
Programme of activities - Sunday 6 June
5am onwards - Bird Song at Dawn
Join the RSPB Derby Local Group for a dawn chorus walk starting at the pavilion. Walk and wake up with the birds. Afterwards, there will be a light breakfast courtesy of the Friends of Markeaton Park.
8am to 9am, Morning Bird Walk
Join the Derbyshire Ornithological Society for a walk around the park. Identify and list some of the birds, trees and wildflowers as you walk, and find out about the results of the overnight mammal survey.
10am to 5pm - Go Wild Party and Springwatch Wild Day Out
Find us near the pavilion, next to the main car park, for a full day of free, fun, family, wildlife activities. Join us to make a bird box, animal mask, find a bird, pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, tree quiz and much more. Find out what our partners do and how they can help you and your local wildlife. Discover new places to visit in Derbyshire.
10am to 11am, Walk Yourself Healthy
Join b-active Goes Green for a walk around Markeaton Park to find out about its history and wildlife.
10.30am to 12.30pm, Bike Ride to Great Northern Greenway
Join Sustrans Derby Rangers Group for a cycle ride from Markeaton Park to Derby Market Place (two miles, 3.2 kilometres) and onto the Great Northern Greenway for a barbecue at the site of the old Breadsall Station (four miles, 6.4 kilometres). If time allows, chance to visit Breadsall Cutting a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
11am to 12 noon and 2pm to 3pm, Wild Water Walk
Join Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Pond Warden Association (DCPWA) for a walk and pond dipping in Markeaton Lake and Markeaton Brook to look for invertebrates. A chance to add to the list of species found.
11am to 12 noon and 2pm to 3pm, Sweeping and Beating for Bugs
Join DaNES and the Derbyshire Flora Group to discover more invertebrates and flora to add to our BioBlitz list.
12 noon to 2pm, Smoothie Cycle Activity
Join b-active Goes Green to get fit and make your own Smoothie at the same time! Just choose your ingredients from a selection of fruit, chop them up, put them in the liquidizer on the back of the ‘smoothie bike’ and pedal to power it. You’ll be out of breath, but refreshed!
3pm to 4pm, Wildlife Walk around the Hunters Tree
Join us on the last walk of the day to look for birds, trees, wildflowers and butterflies. Try some worm hunting and have a look at lichens. A last chance to add to the list of species found.
5pm, BioBlitz Last Count
Further details
For further details about the BBC Springwatch Wild Day Out at Markeaton Park, contact WildDerby on 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Sunday 6 June, 9.30am to 12noon
City Riverside
Various bus routes nearby
Join RSPB Derby Local Group for a 3½ mile, 5.6 kilometre walk along the riverside path from the city centre to Alvaston Park Lake and back. A chance to see some of the diverse wildlife along and adjacent to the river. Bring binoculars if you have some. This is a level walk with no stiles and is surfaced throughout. Meet in the railway station forecourt, off Railway Terrace, OS ref SK361355, SatNav DE1 2RU. For further information about the RSPB Derby Local Group visit the RSPB Derby Local Group website, or telephone 01332 551701.
Sunday 6 June, 10.30am to 4pm
Pond dipping at the Big1
20
Join the Friends of Chaddesden Park and Derby City Pond Warden Association at the Big1 to discover the creatures which lurk in the pond at Chaddesden Park. There will be pond dipping for all members of the family. Pond warden members will be on hand to help you identify what you have found. Find out about the role of a pond warden and how important our local ponds are. Wear appropriate clothes, and ideally, waterproof footwear. The pond has steeply sloping sides and is surrounded by rough, muddy, undulating land. Meet at the pond, in between Chaddesden Brook and the allotment gardens (near to Maine Drive), OS ref SK384368, SatNav DE21 6JZ.
Sunday 6 June, 11am to 1pm
Great Northern Greenway
Join Sustrans Derby Rangers Group for a gentle four-mile, 6.4 kilometre each way cycle ride along the Great Northern Greenway at Breadsall. Meet at Derby Market Place, OS ref SK352363, SatNav DE1 3AH, at 11am and cycle to the Great Northern Greenway, where the first section of a new cycle path (Route 672 of the National Cycle Network) has been constructed. The route is almost entirely off-road, and there will be a barbecue at the site of the old Breadsall Station, which has been partly restored with relics of the Great Northern Railway, which ran along this route into Ilkeston. Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. For further information about the Sustrans Derby Rangers Group telephone 01332 514903 or email sustransranger@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday 13 June, 11am to 2.30pm
Biking Barbecue and Swim
Join Sustrans Derby Rangers Group on a mostly off-road, flat, five-mile, eight kilometre each way cycle ride along Route 54 of the National Cycle Network to Etwall Leisure Centre. Free swimming (optional) and barbecue (charge for) for cyclists. Meet at the old Mickleover Station on Station Road, OS ref SK307358, SatNav DE3 9DA. Ample free car parking
at the old Mickleover Station. Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. For further information about the Sustrans Derby Rangers Group telephone 01332 514903 or email sustransranger@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday 13 June, 2pm to 3.15pm
Hidden Corners of Chester Green
7.1, H1, The Nines
Join the Little Chester Local History Group on a 1½ mile, 2.4 kilometre guided walk around the hidden corners of Chester Green. This route will cover lesser-known parts of the area. During the walk local features, buildings and industries dating from the Roman era to recent times will be revealed. Meet at the Heritage Centre in St Paul’s Church, Chester Green, OS ref SK355370, SatNav DE1 3RT. The walk is mainly along flat surfaced paths. Refreshments will be available in the Heritage Centre at the end of the walk. For further information about the Little Chester Local History Group telephone 01332 363354 or visit the Little Chester Local History Group website.
Saturday 19 June, 10am to 2pm
Balsam Pull
The Allestree blue or red route
Have fun removing invasive Himalayan Balsam with the Friends of Markeaton Brook. Pulling the balsam allows our native plants to grow, which provide winter shelter and food for wildlife. Please wear clothing which covers arms and legs. Protective gloves will be provided. Meet at 10am at the Mundy Play Centre car park on Markeaton Lane, OS ref SK332379, SatNav DE22 4NH. For further information about the Friends of Markeaton Brook telephone 07530 505107, email mail@markeatonbrook.net or visit the Friends of Markeaton Brook website.
Sunday 20 June, 12noon to 5pm
Elvaston’s 40!
Elvaston Castle Country Park is 40 years old this year! Come along and join the countryside service in celebrating the park’s birthday in style. A variety of woodland activities, historical and horticultural talks and walks, a behind the scenes glimpse of the Secret Garden’s new projects. Lots of things to see and do. Walks £1 donations. The length of the gentle, easy going walks vary, maximum of two-miles. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Location of park, GR SK406330. SatNav DE72 3EP. Car parking charges apply.
Elvaston’s 40! forms part of Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service events for 2010. For a copy of this annual events brochure, telephone 08456 058058. Or you can visit the Derbyshire County Council website.
Children's Nature Club at Sinfin
Third Sunday of each month, 2.30pm to 4pm
20 June, 18 July, 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, 21 November
The Friends of Sinfin Moor Park and Nature Reserve run a Nature Club for children aged 11 and under (under 7's to be accompanied by an adult) based at the Community Centre on the Park, off Sinfin Moor Lane GR SK347314. Activities include investigating worms, pond dipping, tree and flower planting, making minibeast homes, bird watching and making bird feeders. Discover the wildlife on the reserve and try out fun art and craft activities. The Club is free of charge, but booking is essential. To book a place and for further information about the Nature Club or the Friends of Sinfin Moor Park and Nature Reserve telephone Jean Lung on 01332 764458 or email jeanlung@yahoo.co.uk
Wednesday 23 June, 10am to 12 noon
Allotment Walk
32, 36, 37
Join Normanton Allotments Society for a pleasant two-mile, 3.2 kilometre walk around 14 acres of allotment gardens off Hathersage Avenue. Find out more about this enjoyable and relaxing hobby. The paths around the allotment can be muddy, but they are almost completely flat. Meet at their office at 8 Hathersage Avenue, next to the Telephone Exchange, off Warwick Avenue OS ref SK344339, SatNav DE23 8DB.
Saturday 26 June, 11am to 1pm
Pond Dipping
The Sixes, Transpeak
Join the Friends of Allestree Park and Derby City Pond Warden Association to discover the aquatic creatures lurking in Allestree Park in a pond dipping exploration of the ornamental pond and lake. Wear appropriate clothes, and ideally, waterproof footwear. The area around the ornamental pond is paved, but there are steps down to the pond. The path along the southern edge of the lake can be muddy, and the sides of the lake can be sloping, rough and muddy underfoot. Meet in the main car park off Duffield Road (A6) OS ref SK348407, SatNav DE22 2EU. For further information about the Friends of Allestree Park visit the Friends of Allestree Park website.
Sunday 27 June, 2pm to 3.30pm
In the footsteps of Joseph Wright
Various bus routes nearby
Join Maxwell Craven (local writer and historian) and the Friends of Derby Museums and Art Gallery for a one-mile, 1.6 kilometre walk to see some of the sites associated with the 18th Century artist Joseph Wright. The walk will mainly be along flat surfaced paths. Meet at the entrance to the Museum and Art Gallery, at the junction of The Strand and Cheapside, OS ref SK350363, SatNav DE1 1BS. For further information about the Friends of Derby Museums and Art Gallery telephone 01332 345548, or visit The Friends of Derby Museums and Art Gallery webpage.
Inspiring Derby
Derby City Partnership Week
Monday 28 June to Sunday 4 July
Full programme of events, talks and activities available mid May. Telephone 01332 258509 for further information.
Tuesday 29 June, 10am to 12 noon
Access Spondon!
9, Ilkeston Flyer, Spondon Flyer blue or red route
Join the Spondon Village Improvement Committee for a 2½ mile, four kilometre walk to explore the footpaths and jitties of Spondon. This walk will launch the activities to map Spondon’s accessibility features, such as dropped kerbs and cycle routes. The walk is mostly along paved paths and roads, although there are sections which could be muddy. Meet in the Spondon Village Hall car park, OS ref SK400359, SatNav DE21 7FG. Booking is required.Telephone 01332 677377 or email vic@spondonca.org.uk For further information about the Spondon Village Improvement Committee visit the Spondon Community Association website.
Wednesday 30 June, 7pm to 9pm
Markeaton Circular Walk
The Allestree blue or red route
Join the Council's Rights of Way Officer for a 3¾ mile, six kilometre walk in the Markeaton area. Booking essential on 01332 255093. The walk takes in agricultural land and parkland following footpaths, bridleways, park paths and pavements. Fairly easy walking, although some parts of the walk can be wet, muddy and uneven underfoot. There are also stiles and footbridges, and one fairly steep slope. Meet in the Mundy Play Centre pay and display car park on Markeaton Lane, OS ref SK332379, SatNav DE22 4NH. For further information about the Council's Rights of Way Service telephone 01332 255024, or visit our Rights of Way webpage.
July
Thursday 1 July, 7pm to 9pm
Great Northern Greenway
22, 24, H1
Join WildDerby for a three-mile, 4.8 kilometre walk along the Great Northern Greenway (former Great Northern Railway Line at Breadsall). Find out about its history, and the natural history value of the former railway line. The walk will be along a surfaced, undulating, multi-user path. If there is time, the walk will be extended to visit Breadsall Cutting a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve off Mansfield Road, before returning along the same route. The cutting is accessed along a narrow path, and a stile. There is no surfaced path through the cutting and conditions can be muddy and uneven underfoot. Meet in The Paddock pub car park, off Mansfield Road (A608) OS ref SK363384, SatNav DE21 4AW. For further information about WildDerby telephone 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Saturday 3 July, 10am to 1pm
Canal walk
4, 9, Indigo
Join Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society and Spondon Village Improvement Committee for a level (apart from stiles) four-mile, 6.4 kilometre walk along the route of the former canal. Mainly flat, surfaced paths, although sections can be muddy, ending at Breaston. Participants can then walk to Derby Road to pick up a return bus or, if they wish, continue along the canal to Sandiacre or Long Eaton. Meet in the B&Q car park, off Megaloughton Lane, Spondon OS ref SK395353, SatNav DE21 7BR. A popular repeat of previous years’ walks, booking is required on 01332 677377 or email vic@spondonca.org.uk For further information about the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society visit the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society website.
Sunday 4 July, 10am to 12 noon
Launch of Mickleover Meadows Local Nature Reserve
The Mickleover blue or red route
Join WildDerby, Friends of Mickleover Meadows and Natural England for the launch of Mickleover Meadows Local Nature Reserve. After the launch, go on a walk around the reserve to find out about the flora and fauna and the proposed management of the site. The walk will be along surfaced paths, and undulating grassland which can be wet and muddy. Meet at the entrance to the reserve off Earlswood Drive, Mickleover (next to Murray Park School) OS ref SK315356, SatNav DE3 9LL. For further information about WildDerby telephone 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Tuesday 6 July, 7pm to 8.30pm
Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve (Cancelled)
60
Join Chellaston History Group for an evening one-mile, 1.6 kilometre stroll around the former Chellaston Brickworks and find out about the history and natural history of the area. The walk through the local nature reserve will be along muddy tracks and takes in sharp ascents and grass slopes.
Please note: this event has now been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Saturday 10 July, 2pm to 4pm
Alvaston Amble
40, 41, 44, 45, 73, Skylink
Join Derby Natural History Society for a three-mile, 4.8 kilometre stroll downstream along the Derwent to see the natural history of the river corridor. If wet, the smooth, gentle riverside path can be muddy. Bring binoculars if you have some. Meet in the car park alongside the BMX Track in Alvaston Park, OS ref SK380344, SatNav DE24 8FD. For further information about the Derby Natural History Society telephone 01332 515859 or visit the Derby Natural History Society website.
Sunday 11 July, 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Cycle Ride and Barbecue
Join the Friends of Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve and Sustrans Derby Rangers Group on an off-road, flat cycle ride of about six-miles, 9.6 kilometres each way from Sinfin, joining Route 6 of the National Cycle Network, towards Melbourne (Trent Viaduct). Return for a barbecue (charged for) by the pond at the Nature Reserve. Meet at the community centre car park on Sinfin Moor Lane, OS ref SK347314, SatNav DE24 9HW (free parking). For further information about the Friends of Sinfin Moor Park and Nature Reserve telephone 01332 763412 or email coatt@msn.com
Wednesday 21 July, 7pm to 9pm
Swarkestone Circular Walk
60, 61
Join the Council's Rights of Way Officer for a four-mile, 6.4 kilometre walk in the Swarkestone area. Booking essential on 01332 255093. The walk takes in farmland, market gardens, villages and waterways using footpaths, towpaths and roads. Easy walking, although some parts of the walk can be wet, muddy and uneven underfoot. There are also stiles and footbridges. Meet at Chellaston Community Centre, Barley Croft, High Street, Chellaston, OS ref SK379302, SatNav DE73 6TU. For further information about the Council's Rights of Way Service telephone 01332 255024, or visit our Rights of Way webpage.
August
3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 August (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
WildDerby Big Day Out
Join Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire and WildDerby for free outdoor activities for children (up to 12 years old) and their parents or carer at wildlife sites in Derby.
- Chaddesden Park Nature Reserve, Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 17 (am)
- Elm Wood Local Nature Reserve, Wednesday 4 and Wednesday 18 (am)
- Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve, Thursday 5 and Thursday 19 (am)
- Arboretum Park wildlife garden, Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 17 (pm)
- Sinfin Moor Park and Nature Reserve, Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 (pm)
- Markeaton Park, Thursday 12 and Thursday 19 (pm).
Telephone 01332 255021 for further details. Places limited. Bookings from 1 July on 01332 255093.
Donations for local groups running the scheme gratefully received. WildDerby Big Day Out is supported by The Parenting Fund.
Sunday 15 August, 10.30am to 4pm
Pond Dipping
Spondon Flyer blue or red route
Join Derby City Pond Warden Association to discover what creatures lurk in the pond at West Park Meadow Local Nature Reserve, Spondon. Pond dipping for all the family, with pond warden members helping you identify what you have found. Litter picking will also be taking place. Wear appropriate clothes, and ideally, waterproof footwear. The pond has sloping sides and is surrounded by rough, muddy, undulating land. Meet at the pond, off Park Road, Spondon, OS ref SK393361, SatNav DE21 7LN. For further information about the Derby City Pond Warden Association telephone 01332 830657, email dcpwa@aol.com or visit the Derby City Pond Warden Association website.
September
Friday 3 September, 7.30pm till late
Bat and Moth Watch
60, 61
Join Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES), WildDerby and Friends of Chellaston Brickworks for a family bat and moth watch at Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve. Booking essential on 01332 255093. Ground conditions are undulating and it can be wet and muddy. Please bring a hot drink and a torch. In the event of bad weather please ring 07900 407020. Meet at the Scout and Guide Headquarters, Pit Close Lane, OS ref SK383303, SatNav DE73 6TL. For further information contact WildDerby on 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Sunday 5 September, 2pm to 3.15 pm
Romans and Other Bygone Times
7.1, H1, The Nines
Join the Little Chester Local History Group to take a conducted walk to ‘feel’ at first hand history of the Roman and other bygone times of Chester Green. The walk is about one-mile, 1.6 kilometres along flat paths. Meet at the public car park on City Road, Chester Green, OS ref SK353372, SatNav DE1 3RR. At the end of the walk a visit will be made to the Heritage Centre in St Paul’s Church, Chester Green where refreshments will be available. From there it is only a short walk back to the start. For further information about the Little Chester Local History Group telephone 01332 363354 or visit the Little Chester Local History Group website.
Saturday 11 September to Sunday 26 September
Autumn Footprints. The Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival
Telephone 08456 058058 for further information, or visit the Peak District & Derbyshire website.
Saturday 11 September, 10am-8pm
Nature Reserve Open Day
A variety of gentle, easy going guided nature walks will be available during the day, including: a morning bird walk, fungal foray, general nature reserve orientation walk, evening moth and bat ramble in the reserve. Birds of prey static displays all day and BBQ food available from 12noon onwards. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Meet at the Elvaston Castle main car park, car parking charges apply, GR SK406330, SatNav DE72 3EP. Event cost: Adults £2, children £1, under fives free, concessions £1, family ticket (two adults and three children) £5. Booking essential for walks. For bookings and information Call Derbyshire 08456 058058.
Nature Reserve Open Day forms part of Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service events for 2010. For a copy of this annual events brochure, telephone 08456 058058. Or you can visit the Derbyshire County Council website.
Sunday 12 September, 2pm to 4pm
From city to countryside
33
Join Findern Footpaths Group for a four-mile, 6.4 kilometre linear walk to Findern and back. On the walk you will pass through farmland which enjoys panoramic views over Derby and the site of a former priory where the remains of the monk’s fish ponds can still be seen. Meet at Derby Moor Community Sports College on Moorway Lane, Littleover, OS ref SK327330, SatNav DE23 2FS. This walk is over fields which may be muddy and undulating, with several stiles. There is livestock in the fields, so no dogs please except registered assistance dogs. Refreshments will be available in Findern before returning by the same route. For further information about the group visit the Findern Footpaths Group website.
Saturday 18 September to Sunday 3 October
Derby Walking Festival
Telephone 01332 255802 for further information, or visit the Peak District & Derbyshire website.
Saturday 18 September, 2pm to 3.30pm
Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve
60
Join Chellaston History Group for a one-mile, 1.6 kilometre stroll around the former Chellaston Brickworks and find out about the history and natural history of the area. The walk through the local nature reserve will be along muddy tracks and takes in sharp ascents and grass slopes. Meet at the Scout and Guide Headquarters, Pit Close Lane, OS ref SK383303, SatNav DE73 6TL. For further information about the Chellaston History Group telephone 01332 700742.
Thursday 23 September, 2pm to 4pm
Markeaton Park Tree Walk
28, 29, ONE
Join the Council’s Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Officer for a walk around Markeaton Park. Find out more about some of the interesting trees that can be found and learn the basics of tree identification. The walk will be on undulating parkland, which can be wet and muddy. Meet in the main pay and display car park off Ashbourne Road, by the car park ticket machine next to the Putting Green, OS ref SK333373, SatNav DE22 4AA. For further information about the Council's TPO work visit our TPO webpage.
Saturday 25 September, 10am to 3pm
RAMble by river and canal
111
Join Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire at the RAMS Stadium for an 8½ mile, 13.6 kilometre walk along the river to Borrowash. After lunch, return along the route of the former Derby to Sandiacre Canal, and the streets and fields of Spondon and Chaddesden. Natural and industrial highlights will be discussed along the way. This walk is part of the Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival. There are stiles on this walk. No dogs please, except registered assistance dogs. Bring a packed lunch. It is hoped to stop at a pub for lunch, where supplements can be bought to your packed lunch. Meet at the Pride Park 'Park & Ride', next to the RAMS Stadium, OS ref SK373351, SatNav DE24 8AN. Cost of parking £2.20 (at time of going to press). For further information about Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire telephone 01773 535232, email mfarrell@groundwork.org.uk or visit the Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire website.
October
Sunday 10 October, 2.30pm to 4.15pm
Tomb Trail in Nottingham Road Cemetery
4, Indigo
Join Derby Civic Society for a 1½ mile, 2.4 kilometre walk around Nottingham Road Cemetery. The typical Sunday walk for Victorian families was round the cemetery, so come along and look at some of the interesting memorials and hear about those buried there. Booking essential, telephone 01332 346154, 25 places maximum. The walk is mainly on surfaced paths, and the cemetery is located on a quite gentle slope. Meet at the Lodge on Nottingham Road, OS ref SK372367, SatNav DE21 6FN. Car parking available opposite Reginald Road South, further along Nottingham Road towards the district centre.
Wednesday 13 October, 2pm to 4pm
Bluebells and Daffodils
6, 17A, The Allestree blue or red route
Join University of Derby and Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire at Sturgess Fields to plant bluebells and daffodils in the woodland off Kedleston Road, behind The Jonty Farmer pub. The ground in Sturgess Fields is uneven and often muddy. Meet on the bridge in between the Medical Centre and The Jonty Farmer pub, off Kedleston Road, OS ref SK340373, SatNav DE22 1FT. For further information telephone WildDerby on 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Saturday 16 October, 2pm to 4pm
Tree walk around Derby's historic Arboretum
36, 37, 40, 41
Join Friends of Derby Arboretum and Council Ranger staff for an easy one-mile, 1.6 kilometre guided walk around Derby's historic Arboretum to find out about its trees. The walk is mainly along flat, surfaced paths, but will include undulating parkland, which can be muddy underfoot. Meet at Grove Lodge, off Grove Street, OS ref SK354352, SatNav DE23 8FN. For further information about the Friends of Derby Arboretum telephone 01332 292612.
Sunday 17 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Mushrooms and Toadstools
The Allestree blue or red route
Join fungus experts from Derby City Council’s WildDerby Project for a foray and walk for all the family at Allestree Park Local Nature Reserve. Discover the interesting, colourful and edible fungi to be found hiding in the countryside. The foray and walk will be along woodland tracks and on undulating parkland, which can be wet and muddy. Meet in the car park off Woodlands Road, OS ref SK341404, SatNav DE22 2HH. For further information about WildDerby telephone 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Discovery Days
Saturday 23 October to Sunday 31 October
For further information telephone 01629 539781 or visit the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site website
Sunday 31 October, 2pm to 4pm
Autumn Nature Walk
Join local enthusiasts from the Darley and Nutwood Nature Reserve Management Group for a two-mile, 3.2 kilometre walk to see and learn about the wildlife on and around this riverside nature reserve. The ground is uneven and often muddy. Meet at Mill View Gardens in Darley Abbey Village, OS ref SK353385, SatNav DE22 1DY. For further information about the Darley and Nutwood Nature Reserve visit the Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve website.
November
Saturday 6 November, 10am to 1pm
Free Garden Tree Giveaway
Various bus routes nearby
Join the WildDerby Project and Derwent Green Gym in Derby’s Market Place, OS ref SK352363, SatNav DE1 3AH, to collect your free trees. The trees are being distributed to members of the public to encourage wildlife in gardens. There is a maximum of two trees per household. First come, first served. For further information about WildDerby telephone 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
Monday 15 November, 7pm – 8.30pm
Astronomy Walk - November Nights
40, 41, 44, 45, Skylink
Join Alvaston Park Friends for an evening of stargazing and learn to use a star chart. After a half hour introductory astronomy talk there will be a 1½ mile, 2.4 kilometre stroll through the park in search of stars, planets, meteors, satellites, and to see the impact of light pollution. Bring binoculars if you have some, but they are not essential. The walk will mainly be on park paths, although there will be some unlit grassed areas. Meet at the YMCA, 770 London Road, Alvaston, OS ref SK370343, SatNav DE24 8UT. The walk will finish at Lakeside School, just a few minutes walk from the starting point. For further information about the Alvaston Park Friends email info@alvastonparkfriends.org.uk or visit the Alvaston Park Friends website.
January 2011
Saturday 29 January, 11am to 3pm
Garden Bird Bonanza
Various bus routes nearby
Join WildDerby and partners for family fun bird activities in Derby's Market Place. For further details telephone 01332 255021 or email wildderby@derby.gov.uk
For further information contact
Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby
Derby City Council
Regeneration and Community Department
Plans and Policies Section
Roman House
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1XB
Derby City Council’s WildDerby Project, working in partnership with