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St Chad's Water

So we all know about Derbyshire's headline-grabbing beauty spots like Carsington Water and Ladybower Reservoir but of course there are dozens of other lovely locations dotted all around the county.

One such place is St Chad's Water, in Church Wilne near Draycott.

It's a former gravel pit which was purchased by Draycott Parish Council for just one pound in the early 1980s.

The council changed it into a wonderfully compact nature reserve which has become a haven for birds and other wildlife in the area.

Among the migrant birds that have been spotted using the reserve are whitethroats, willow warblers and chiff-chaffs.

Swallows and kingfishers have also been spotted there.

Marion Horton, from Groundwork Erewash which helped create the beauty spot, said it was a great example for other authorities.

She said: "St Chad's is very lucky because it's got a natural circular walk around it.

"Most people really value it and appreciate how important is. They are very proud of it locally.

"I think a lot of people come to the site because it's got a lovely open space and they don't feel too enclosed so it's got a very safe feel."

You can visit St Chad's Water by turning right off Derby Road in Draycott and then heading down Wilne Road. The nature reserve is opposite St Chad's Church.