Linacre Reservoirs

There are three reservoirs at Linacre, built between 1855 and 1904 and, between them, they hold more than 240 million gallons of water. The reservoirs are surrounded by fields and bluebell woods.

A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley and Holme Brook cascades through as it makes its way to Chesterfield. The paths are well edged and you can make up any length of walk you like. Part of the trail around the Upper Reservoir crosses the water on a boardwalk - parents with children should take care as it has no railing.

In spring, the woods around the Reservoirs are carpeted with bluebells and they were, at one time, coppiced - information boards explain how coppicing worked. You can find many oak trees, along with beech, alder (which likes to keep its feet wet), larch and pine. Conifers are often planted next to reservoirs for two reasons. They keep away farm animals which might pollute the water and, after a few years, they can be sold for timber.

The site is a haven for wildlife. Nuthatches, flycatchers and woodpeckers can be seen and heard as they flit among the canopy and kingfishers and mandarin ducks can be spotted around the water's edge

Parking fees apply.