Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve
Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve
Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 12 out of 13 hikers
Location: Somercotes, Amber Valley, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom
Large fishing ponds and local nature reserve in the middle of an industiral estate, which in spite if this is very peaceful!
Lots of little wooden jetties to sit and fish or bird/wildlife watch or just enjoy nature at many points all around the ponds. Can cross over ponds via bridge
December 31, 2020
The Cotes Parkland was sold off in small plots during the nineteenth century when the area was being mined for coal and ironstone. Three of the ponds were constructed during the nineteenth century as a result of mining operations, but it is thought that pond 3 is considerably older. In 1942 the area was re-landscaped for public use by Italian prisoners of war and subsequently became very popular for walking and picnicking. The creation of Cotes Park Industrial Estate in the 1970s has isolated the ponds within an industrial and residential landscape. They fell into disuse and decay and suffered from pollution. In the late 1980’s the borough council improved the ponds, which encouraged angling, walking and horse riding, there is an active friends group who have raised funds in partnership with Palmer Morewood Angling Club to install new paths and fishing pegs, the Borough Council have also improved the infrastructure and work with the Environment Agency to combat pollution.
November 26, 2023
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