DISCOVER

DERBY

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EVENTS FOR ‘LET'S GO WILD IN DERBY 2006’

2007 details to be added shortly

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For all walks and activities, you should wear comfortable walking shoes, boots, or wellingtons, and take warm, waterproof clothing, in case it rains. Parents will be responsible for their children at all times. If dogs are allowed, then the owners will be expected to keep them on a lead at all times. Terrain details are given to help people decide whether they are able to participate in the walk or activity. To help our environment, why not use public transport to get to the start?

Dogs on leads welcome.

Start of walk within ¼ mile, 0.4 kilometre, of a bus route. Contact traveline  on 0870 6082608 for details of service.

EVENTS PROGRAMME

February

Sunday 26 February, 10.15am for 10.30am start
Family Walk

Join Derbyshire Family Rambling Group of the Ramblers’ Association, for a five mile, eight kilometre, walk in the Chellaston and Swarkestone area. Bring food and a drink. This walk goes through fields, and along uneven tracks and paths, with stiles and steps. Meet at Chellaston Community Centre, off High Street, Chellaston, Grid Reference, GR SK379302. For further information about the Derbyshire Family Rambling Group,  telephone 01332 841975 or 01332 554756

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April

Saturday 1 April, 2.30pm to 4pm
Walk in the Allestree Park area

Join the Derby and South Derbyshire Group of the Ramblers’ Association for an easy three mile, 4.8 kilometre, walk in the Allestree Park area. The walk will be mainly in Allestree Park, parts of which will be hilly. Outside of the park, the walk crosses open fields, using stiles. Meet in the main car park, off Duffield Road, GR SK348407 at 2.30pm.  For further information about the Derby and South Derbyshire Group of the Ramblers’ Association,   telephone 01332 345878.

Sunday 23 April, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Day of Pondamania

Join WildDerby at the launch of the pond warden scheme and help us discover the creatures which lurk in ponds throughout the city. Join us for an hour or so at the following locations: Dale Road Park, Spondon, GR SK412364, at 11am, the Mill Pond, Markeaton Street, GR SK337372, at 1pm, or Sunnydale Park, off Rosamonds Ride, GR SK339333, at 3pm. You’ll be able to take part in pond dipping, learn about the pond warden scheme, or talk to us about ponds. The ground around these ponds is mainly level grassland, but the pond edges are sloping, which after rain can be slippy. For further information about WildDerby, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

Tuesday 25 April, 6pm to 8pm
Discovering Sinfin

Join Derby City Council’s Rangers Service on a three mile, 4.8 kilometre, casual stroll around Sinfin Moor Park and its neighbouring countryside, to learn of its past history, present wildlife and possible future management. Binoculars optional. This walk goes through undulating parkland, rough pasture, fields and woodland, which can be wet and muddy. Sections of the walk are quite steep and slippy underfoot. Meet in the Park’s car park, off Sinfin Moor Lane, GR SK347314 at 6pm. For further information about the Council's Rangers Service, telephone 01332 367800, minicom 01332 256666.

Sunday 30 April, 11am to 1pm
Ancient trees of Allestree Park

Join Friends of Allestree Park for a three mile, 4.8 kilometre, stroll around Allestree Park, looking at veteran trees and their importance to our history, landscape and natural history. Veteran trees are usually more than 200 years old. These trees were identified as part of the UK Ancient Tree Hunt in 2005. Derby City Council, through its WildDerby Project, hopes to continue this work with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to complete the survey of Derby. Speak to the leader of this walk if you are interested in helping out. The walk will mainly be on grass, with hilly sections. Parts could be muddy. Meet in the main car park, off Duffield Road, GR SK348407. 30 people maximum. To book your place, and for further information about the Friends of Allestree Park, telephone 01332 557801.

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May

Saturday 6 May, 4.30am to 6.30am
Dawn Chorus in Allestree Park

Join RSPB Derby Local Group for a 1.5 mile, 2.4 kilometre, walk to listen to the dawn chorus and discover how each bird species can be identified by its song. This walk goes along muddy woodland tracks and takes in steep ascents and descents on grass, in the early morning light. Meet in the Woodlands Road car park, GR SK340405. For further information about the RSPB Derby Local Group,  telephone 01332 551701.

Wednesday 10 May, 10am to 12noon
Discovering the history of West Park Nature Reserve

Join Spondon Historical Society for a two mile, 3.2 kilometre stroll looking at historical features of the West Park Nature Reserve, such as the ancient trackway and village pond. This walk is mainly over rough grassland and uneven, dirt and grass paths, which can be wet and muddy. Meet in the car park off Church Street, Spondon, GR SK398360. For further information about the Spondon Historical Society,  telephone 01332 662104.

Sunday 14 May, 10am to 4pm
Friends of Allestree Park go wild

Join Friends of Allestree Park for a family fun day and outdoor event at Allestree Park. You can go on a nature walk. Try your hand at bug hunting, or making a nest box. Have a game of football, or a go at the tug-of-war. Or just have a look around the displays on conservation. The event will take place on undulating grassland. Meet near to the main car park, off Duffield Road, GR SK348407. For further information about the Friends of Allestree Park, telephone 01332 557801.

Tuesday 16 May, 8pm to 10pm
Bats in Chaddesden Wood

Join Derbyshire Bat Group for a walk around Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve to identify the bat species which live in the area. 30 people maximum. Telephone 01332 255093, minicom 01332 256666, to book your place. Bring a torch. The main path around Chaddesden Wood is suitable for all users, but it can be wet and muddy. Meet at the main entrance, off Springwood Drive, GR SK384389. For further information about the Derbyshire Bat Group,  telephone 01332 366058.

Wednesday 17 May, 10am to 12 noon
Looking at Allotments

Join Normanton Allotments Society for a pleasant 1¼ mile, two kilometre, walk around 14 acres of allotment gardens. Find out more about a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, watch the vegetables grow and visit their small wildlife area with pond. Paths around the allotment can be uneven in places and muddy after rain. Meet at their office at 8 Hathersage Avenue, off Warwick Avenue GR SK344339. Maximum number 15. Telephone 01332 255093, minicom 01332 256666, to book your place. For further information about the Normanton Allotments Society, telephone 01332 767747 or 01332 763585.

Sunday 21 May, 2.15pm to 3.30pm
A stroll through Little Chester

Join Little Chester Heritage Centre and History Group for a guided walk around the Chester Green Conservation Area. The walk will reveal the buildings, industries and features that came into being during the area's rapid growth in Victorian times, in addition to its earlier history. The walk is about one mile, 1.6 kilometres, in length, along flat, surfaced paths. Meet at The Heritage Centre in St Paul's Church, Mansfield Road, GR SK355370. For further information about the Little Chester Heritage Centre and History Group,  telephone 01332 363354.

Wednesday 24 May, 6pm to 8pm
Discovering Sunnydale Park

Join BTCV Wildspace! for a one mile, 1.6 kilometre, guided walk around the Sunnydale Park Local Nature Reserve. Come and find out more about one of the city’s most recently declared local nature reserves, such as its past history and wildlife interest. This walk is over surfaced paths, rough grassland and through wooded areas. Sections of the reserve can be muddy. Meet by the reserve pond, GR SK336332. Access is off Rosamonds Ride. For further information about BTCV Wildspace! , telephone 01332 348591, or e-mail j.thompson@btcv.org.uk.

Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, 28 and 29 May, 11am to 5pm
Viking Heritage Weekend

See how the Vikings lived in the living history encampment. A variety of displays, including archery, helmet making and sessions for children, and an exciting grand battle finale. The event takes place in The Paddock, which is rough grassland. Meet at Elvaston Castle Country Park, GR SK406330. For further information about the Viking Heritage Weekend, telephone 01332 571342. To book and find out costs, telephone 08456 058 058.
The Viking Heritage Weekend forms part of Derbyshire County Council's Countryside Service events for 2006 . For a copy of this annual events brochure, which runs from January to December 2006, telephone 08456 058 058.

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June

Wednesday 7 June, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
A 19th Century City Garden

Join the Chairman of the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust for a ¼ mile, 0.4 kilometre, walk, to see and learn about an historic 19th Century town garden, just off Duffield Road. The walk is over paved paths and lawns. Meet at The Poplars on Burleigh Drive GR SK348376. Please park in Belper Road opposite. For further information about the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust, telephone 01335 370495.

Wednesday 14 June, 7pm to 9pm
Derby Riverside Walk

Join the Derby Natural History Society for a 2.5 mile, four kilometre, walk along Derby’s riverside to Pride Park, looking at plants, trees and other wildlife. The walk is along surfaced paths. Meet in the Riverside Gardens, next to the Council House, at the bottom of the steps off Derwent Street GR SK354363. The Riverside Gardens can also be accessed off The Morledge. For further information about the Derby Natural History Society,  telephone 01332 515859.

Sunday 18 June, 11am
Biking Barbecue

Join the Sustrans Rangers on a four mile, 6.4 kilometre, each way cycle ride from Mickleover to Etwall, for swimming at the Etwall Leisure Centre, with a barbecue afterwards. The swimming is free. The cycling is suitable for children, but they must be accompanied. The route is mainly flat. Meet at the old Mickleover Station, GR SK308359, opposite The Great Northern Public House on Station Road. If arriving at the start by car, you can park for free in the old Mickleover Station car park. For further information about the Sustrans Rangers,  telephone 01332 514903, or e-mail les.sims@btinternet.com

Sunday 18 June, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
A 19th Century City Garden

Join the Chairman of the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust for a ¼ mile, 0.4 kilometre, walk, to see and learn about an historic 19th Century town garden, just off Duffield Road. The walk is over paved paths and lawns. Meet at The Poplars on Burleigh Drive GR SK348376. Please park in Belper Road opposite. For further information about the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust, telephone 01335 370495.

Wednesday 21 June, 10am to 12 noon
The historical village of Spondon

Join the Spondon Historical Society on a two mile, 3.2 kilometre, walk around some of the historical houses, sites and church of Spondon. This walk is all on pavements. Meet at the car park on Church Street, Spondon, near to St. Werburgh’s Church, GR SK398360. For further information about the Spondon Historical Society,  telephone 01332 662104.

Sunday 25 June, 10.30am to 4pm
Go Wild in Derby Arboretum

Join WildDerby for a free, family environmental fun day in Derby's countryside. Organised in partnership with the BTCV and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the day will involve many local people and groups. You can try your hand at activities such as, willow sculpture, pond dipping, bird box making, parachute games and pebble painting. There will also be a plant fair, a bouncy castle and slide and ‘The Five Parks Ride’, see next entry for details. The Go Wild event will mainly take place on level grassland. For further information about WildDerby, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

Sunday 25 June, 11am onwards
The Five Parks Ride

The Derby Cycling Group invite all cyclists to ride on a six mile, 9.6 kilometre, circuit passing through five of Derby's parks. Riders may be sponsored to support Macmillan Cancer Relief, and ride multiple laps of the route, part of which is on public roads. There are two start points, one at Markeaton Park for those bringing their bikes by car, and Derby Arboretum for those cycling to the start. Riders can take time out at Derby Arboretum to participate in the ‘Go Wild in Derby Arboretum’ event, see previous entry. The route will be well signed and marshals will be stationed at various road junctions. Riders can cycle on their own, or join small groups that will be escorted by cycling marshals. The groups will leave at hourly intervals from Markeaton Park and Derby Arboretum. Participants should obtain a card at the start that will be stamped at control points around the route. For further information about the ride, and Derby Cycling Group,  telephone 01332 514903, or e-mail les.sims@btinternet.com

Wednesday 28 June, 7pm to 9pm
Chellaston Brickworks

Join the Derby Natural History Society for a one mile, 1.6 kilometre, walk around the Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve, to observe and record the flora and fauna. The walk will mainly be along unsurfaced paths, which are steep and slippy in places. Meet in the car park off Bensley Close, Chellaston GR SK383303. For further information about the Derby Natural History Society,  telephone 01332 515859.

Thursday 29 June, 7pm to 9pm
Radbourne Circular Walk

Join the Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum for a 3¾ mile, six kilometre, walk in the Radbourne area, and also find out more about their work. The walk takes in pastureland, woodland, farmland and parkland, following a network of footpaths and minor roads. Sections of the walk can be muddy and there are stiles. Meet at the Honeycomb Public House on Ladybank Road, Mickleover, GR SK301353. You can park in the pub car park. For further information about the Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum, telephone 01332 255024, minicom 01332 256666.

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 July

Saturday 1 July, 10am to 4pm
Balsam Bash

Join Friends of Markeaton Brook for their annual 'Balsam Bash'. Meet at The Mundy Play Centre pay and display car park off Markeaton Lane, GR SK333379. Wear old clothes, as this event involves pulling up balsam on the muddy banks of the brook. For further information about the Friends of Markeaton Brook, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

Sunday 2 July, 10am to 4pm
Wildlife Recording Jamboree - Nutwood and Darley Tip

Join Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and local naturalists as they record the diversity of species present in this designated Wildlife Site. Learn to put a name to that bird, plant or insect by dropping in anytime to meet the recording team. Access is along the path next to the river, off Old Lane, Darley Abbey, GR SK353387. Wear old clothes and stout footwear, the site is rough, uneven and can be muddy. For further information, contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust  on 01773 881188.

Wednesday 5 July, 7pm to 9pm
The Sanctuary, Bird and Wildlife Reserve

Join Nick Moyes, Assistant Keeper of Natural History at Derby Museums, on a visit to Derby’s first bird reserve, less than two miles from the city centre. Discover the habitats that have been created, the species that use the site and watch Sand Martins at their artificial nest bank from the newly constructed viewing platforms, with ramped access. Bring binoculars if you have them. Inside the reserve, there are flat, but rough, paths which can be boggy. Dogs not allowed inside the reserve. Meet inside the entrance gates to the Park and Ride car park on Royal Way next to Pride Park Stadium, Derby GR SK372351. For further information about The Sanctuary,  telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

Wednesday 12 July, 2pm to 4pm
History of Elvaston Gardens

In their heyday, the gardens of Elvaston were tended by 80 gardeners. Join our rangers on a two mile, 3.2 kilometre, walk around the gardens and find out why English Heritage has given them grade II* listing. The walk is over lawns and along paths. There are steps, but it is possible to go around them on the grass. Meet at Elvaston Castle Country Park, main pay and display car park, GR SK412332. Cost: Adults £1, Children 50p, under fives free, concessions 50p, family ticket £2.50. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Booking essential. For further information about the History of Elvaston Gardens, telephone 01332 571342. To book, telephone 08456 058 058.
Forms part of Derbyshire County Council's Countryside Service events for 2006 . For a copy of this annual events brochure, which runs from January to December 2006, telephone 08456 058 058.

Wednesday 19 July, 10am to 12 noon
Looking at Allotments

Join Normanton Allotments Society for a pleasant 1¼ mile, two kilometre, walk around 14 acres of allotment gardens. Find out more about a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, watch the vegetables grow and visit their small wildlife area with pond. Paths around the allotment can be uneven in places and muddy after rain. Meet at their office at 8 Hathersage Avenue, off Warwick Avenue GR SK344339. Maximum number 15. Telephone 01332 255093, minicom 01332 256666, to book your place. For further information about the Normanton Allotments Society, telephone 01332 767747 or 01332 763585.

Saturday 29 July, 2pm to 3.30pm
History of Markeaton Brook

Join Friends of Markeaton Brook for a two mile, 3.2 kilometre, walk around Markeaton Park, looking at how Markeaton Brook influenced the history and development of Derby. This walk is along surfaced paths and over grass, which can be wet and muddy. Meet at the Mundy Play Centre pay and display car park on Markeaton Lane, GR SK333379. For further information about the Friends of Markeaton Brook, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

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August

Saturday 5 August, 2pm to 4pm
Un-natural History Walk

Bill Grange, Keeper of Natural History at Derby Museums, will lead a walk around Derby City Centre, looking at the various plants and animal species which have their origins in other lands, many far from Britain. Most have a fascinating history. Some pose serious environmental threats. The walk is along surfaced paths, although part is on cobbles. Meet at the entrance to Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Strand, GR SK350363. For further information about the Un-natural History Walk, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

Friday 18 August, 7pm to 9pm
Explore Strutts Park and its architecture

Join the St Helen’s House Trust on ‘St Helen’s Day’ for a two mile, 3.2 kilometre, walk around Strutts Park, formerly the grounds of St Helen’s House. Learn how the area was developed, from the building of the 18th Century St Helen’s House and convent, to the Victorian houses and terraces in the Park. The walk is on pavements, but there are narrow and uphill sections. Meet outside St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Bridgegate, GR SK351368. For further information about the St Helen’s House Trust, telephone 01332 363596, or e-mail info@st-helenshouse-trust-derby.co.uk

Wednesday 30 August, 9.30am to 11.30am
High Summer Hike

Join the Findern Footpaths Group for a four mile, 6.4 kilometre, linear walk to Findern and back, through farmland which enjoys panoramic views back over Derby. On the walk, you’ll pass the site of a former priory, where the remains of the monk’s fish ponds can still be seen. This walk is over fields, which can be very muddy and undulating, with several stiles. There is livestock in the fields. Meet in the Derby Moor Community Sports College car park, off Moorway Lane, Littleover, GR SK327330. For further information about the Findern Footpaths Group,  telephone 01332 510051.

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September

Tuesday 5 September, 8pm to 10pm
Bats in Markeaton Park

Join Derbyshire Bat Group for a walk around the lake in Markeaton Park to identify the bat species which live in the area. 30 people maximum. Telephone 01332 255093, minicom 01332 256666, to book your place. Bring a torch. This walk is mainly over grass, which can be wet and muddy. Meet in the Mundy Play Centre, pay and display car park, GR SK333379. For further information about the Derbyshire Bat Group, telephone 01332 366058.

Wednesday 13 September, 2pm to 4pm
Markeaton Circular Walk

Join Groundwork Erewash Valley for a 3¾ mile, six kilometre, wildlife walk through pleasant agricultural and parkland countryside. There are stiles and footbridges on this walk and one steep uphill section. Meet at the Mundy Play Centre pay and display car park, Markeaton Lane, GR SK333379. For further information about Groundwork Erewash Valley,  telephone 0115 949 0235.

Sunday 17 September, 11am
Cycle Ride to Elvaston

Cyclists are invited to join Derby Cycling Group on a five mile, eight kilometre, each way, easy paced ride along the riverside path to Elvaston Castle. Almost all of this flat, surfaced, route is off road and suitable for children and nervous cyclists. Bring a picnic, or get refreshments at the Elvaston Park Cafe. Meet Derby Market Place, GR SK353363. For further information about Derby Cycling Group,  telephone 01332 514903, or e-mail les.sims@btinternet.com

Sunday 24 September, 2.15pm to 3.30pm
Walk with the Romans

Join Little Chester Heritage Centre and History Group for a conducted walk, giving you the opportunity to experience the Roman and later history of Chester Green. The walk is about one mile, 1.6 kilometres, in length, along flat, surfaced paths. Meet at The Heritage Centre in St Paul's Church, Mansfield Road, GR SK355370. For further information about the Little Chester Heritage Centre and History Group, telephone 01332 363354.

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October

Sunday 8 October, 2pm to 4pm
Puffballs, Brackets and Waxcaps

It's the season for mushrooms and toadstools, so come along and discover what Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve has for us. Join Beverley Rhodes, the Council's Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby and learn more about Chaddesden Wood and its fungus. The main path around the wood is suitable for all users, but it can be wet and muddy. Meet at the main entrance, off Springwood Drive, GR SK384389. For further information about WildDerby, telephone 01332 255021, minicom 01332 256666.

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December

Monday 26 Dece