Local Nature Reserves

Highland cow in a field

FAQ's

Get out and about in your Local Nature Reserve

There are 10 Local Nature Reserves around Derby, which are places owned by us that contain interesting wildlife and geological features. There are many ways to get involved with your Local Nature Reserve, and more information can be found below.

What is a Local Nature Reserve?

They are places owned by us, which have been recognised with the help of Natural England as areas with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally and have local people involved in managing them for wildlife.

How many Local Nature Reserves are there?

There are 10 Local Nature Reserves and one nature area in Derby. They can be found at:

There is also the Elvaston New Local Nature Reserve at Elvaston Castle, which is managed by Derbyshire County Council. Part of the reserve is located in Derby.

How can I found out more about each Local Nature Reserve?

A management plan has been produced for each reserve. This guides us and the local 'Friends of' groups in the work which we carry out. All management plans can be downloaded from this page.

Derbyshire Mind's Enjoying Derby project is working with all local Park Friends groups to produce a folder with walks on all of Derby's local nature reserves. 

How can I get involved in looking after my Local Nature Reserve?

Local nature reserves remain some of the most important sites for nature in the city, and we welcome input from anyone with an interest in them.

To find out more:

What is discussed at the Local Nature Reserve management meetings?

We meet with local people and groups twice a year for each reserve, to talk about:

  • management proposals
  • the effects of management on the ecology of each site
  • ideas for improving the area.

What is a Parks Management Plan?

Derby Parks have a number of Management Plans for individual sites.  These may be for Green Flag Sites but also Local Nature Reserves and set out goals and actions for all partners involved in managing that particular park/open space. 

The plans include:

  • what is important about the site and why it was chosen to be a Green Flag site and/or Local Nature Reserve
  • the location of the site and information of interest
  • aims and objectives agreed by all parties involved in the management of the site
  • biodiversity/conservation management and environmental education
  • community participation, access and visitor management.

You can view our Parks Management Plans here.