Erewash Meadows
Type : Wetland
Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve falls across the county boundary with the larger part being in Derbyshire. There are three sections, the Cromford Canal Section, the Brinsley Meadows Section and the Aldercar Flash Section. A double-sided A3 foldout leaflet is available covering all three sections. This fact sheet deals only with the area in Nottinghamshire - Aldercar Flash and meadows which lie just north of the A610 Eastwood bypass and east of Aldercar. (See location map for further details).
About the reserve
The River Erewash flows through the reserve and at its downstream end forms a delta before flowing under Stoney Lane and the A610 Eastwood bypass. This delta was once excellent for waders during passage but has become overgrown with Typha in recent years. New ponds have been excavated and new reedbeds of common reed (Phragmites australis) are being created. Whilst there are resident species such as water rail, reed bunting and lapwing, bird numbers fluctuate with the seasons and spring and autumn passage brings a wide variety of birds to the reserve. Rarities in recent years include red-footed falcon and spoonbill and almost anything can turn up. Winter brings wildfowl including shoveler and teal and lapwing numbers build on the meadows. Summer brings many visitors to breed in the area and grasshopper warblers are regular and whilst they are rather secretive their reeling song can often be heard well into the night. Much of the area is inaccessible but a footpath allows good views over the reserve and all the habitat types. The ponds and wet flashes are good places for damselflies and dragonflies and kingfishers and water voles can sometimes been seen along the river. The meadows attract various butterfly species including common blue and meadow brown.
Conservation management
Management involves the use of cattle to graze the meadows for the benefit of the flowers and breeding birds. Water levels are to be controlled in order to keep the wetland areas flooded as a benefit to both waders and wildfowl.
How to get there
The only access is from Stoney Lane and this can be reached from either Aldercar or Brinsley. From Aldercar take Cromford Road into Plumptree, which appears to dead end under the bypass flyover but actually deteriorates into a short unmetalled part of Stoney Lane. From Brinsley, turn off Church Lane into Hall Lane and then left into Stoney Lane. There is no car park so please park carefully at the side of the road without obstructing farmers access.
Further Information
If you would like further details about the reserve, or if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the site, please call the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Office on 0115 958 8242
