About the reserve

A small patch of land supporting various species and habitats. Tucked away in a narrow valley close to Alfreton lies Oakerthorpe nature reserve.

Its size and location make it easy to miss, yet this patch of land supports a variety of species and habitats. Such is its importance that it has been designated a Local Nature Reserve, meaning that it is given special protection by the local authority.

There is a short circular walk around the reserve, with a pond dipping platform provided for school groups.   The pond platform is an ideal location to spot frogs, toads and common newts - and you may be lucky enough to come across a grass snake. These reptiles are now rare in Derbyshire, and Oakerthorpe is one place where they are still seen regularly. The pond serves as an open-air snack bar for them, providing their staple food, frogs.

Among the other visitors to the pond are numerous damselflies and the occasional dragonfly, which can be seen flying across the surface or perched on surrounding vegetation. The water vole, which has also suffered a sharp decline in numbers over recent years, may be seen on the reserve, while flowers such as common spotted orchid and ragged robin thrive in the marshy margins.  

Willow, alder and birch grow in the woodland areas and provide shelter for many flowers, including wood avens, bluebell and yellow archangel. In autumn, look for toadstools such as the red and white fly agaric, which brings a splash of colour to the woodland floor.