Grassmoor Country Park is just three miles from Chesterfield in Derbyshire. It is a lovely spot for strolling or picnicking among large open meadows all year round. Much of the country park is on level ground with surfaced tracks for easier access. Grassmoor is a good starting point for walkers, horse riders and cyclists to explore further along the trail. The park is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife
Fishing is allowed on the large pond and this is managed by Williamthorpe Angling Club. The pond is available for fishing all year round. Day tickets (£5) are available from the bailiffs.
There is a free car park off Birkin Lane, between Temple Normanton and Grassmoor Village (Ordnance Survey grid ref SK412 672). Horse box parking is also available here (for information about our horse box parking scheme please contact Clay Cross Countryside Centre).
Grassmoor lagoons were formed in spoil tips at the former Grassmoor Colliery, which operated on the site from the 1840s until its closure in 1967. The lagoons contain tar and contaminated liquid from the former Avenue Coke Works run by British Coal. In September 2009, a £4.9 million contract to clean up contaminated lagoons in Grassmoor was awarded to a Derby company specialising in clearing up environmental damage. The work is to remove the toxins and restore the site to woodland. This will then be opened up to the public as part of the surrounding park. See www.grassmoorlagoons.info
The Five Pits Trail is a five and half mile off-road surfaced route from Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds.
Reclamation and conservation over the past 30 years have seen spoil tips and wasteland replaced by hay meadows and woodland.
Grassmoor Park |
Areas of water have attracted upwards of 200 species of birds. The bird reserves at Williamthorpe Ponds are partially filled by water pumped at a constant 10°C which attracts many birds, particularly in winter
See also
Grassmoor
Chesterfield
