ラドボーンの湖・トップ9

29ヘクタールの特別科学的関心地域。 湖や池、森林、日当たりの良い日陰のエリアが組み合わさったこの保護区は、かつてのヒルトンの砂利採取場を野生生物の楽園にしています。 水面を青く横切るカワセミ、サギ、オオカイツブリ、ホオジロガモを探してみてください。 トンボやイトトンボで有名で、15種が記録されています。

The area known as Allestree Park was enclosed in about 1818. The house begun by Bache Thornhill was completed by John Giradot (High Sheriff of Derbyshire) with three storeys and five bays, the central three bowed with an ionic columned porch. A large part of the estate was sold for housing development in 1928. The neglected house now stands in a 300-acre (1.2 km2) wooded parkland with lake, grasslands and former golf course, owned by Derby City Council. Allestree Park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

The 18-hole Golf Course opened in 1955, was closed in December 2020 and has now disappeared. There are several colour-coded & waymarked walking, running & nature trails to enjoy. Allestree Park is perfect for families to enjoy some fresh air and a stroll.

The nearby village of Shirley was once the seat of Earl Ferrers and the Shirley family. The parkland and woods of the estate is still called Shirley Park although the grand house is no longer evident. Walking through the woodland and along the lake side is aa nice change to the farmland of the area. The woods make a great loop either from Shirley or for a longer walk from Ashbourne.

Markeaton Park is the most visited park in the Deby area attracting over one million visitors per year. It's about 207 acres. The Mundy family owned the area from 1516 until they gave the park to Derby council in the early 20th century.

A beautiful park with lots of open spaces, information about flora and fauna, streams and a lake, as well as a small coffee shop.

Still a lovely park but the golf course has closed and the Pro shop is no more so little opportunity for refreshments. In summer there is sometimes an ice cream van near the Hall. Park is due for "rewilding" which means there will be less open space for cycling and, for some obscure reason, a lot more fencing.

Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.