Bennerley Marsh

Bennerley Marsh is situated between Awsworth in Nottinghamshire and Cotmanhay in Derbyshire. An area of mixed habitat comprising, farm land, rough grazing, wet meadow, marsh, some woodland in the form of small plantations and copse’s, a derelict coal plant, un-used railway banks and a viaduct. There is also a river, The Erewash and two canals, the Erewash and the Nottingham, and the Gilt Brook, plus three small ponds with easy access and another with a fence. The main area of Bennerley Marsh is a relativity small area of marsh and river flash and is most active when the area is flooded. The whole area is quick to flood and quick to drain and is mainly dried-out in hot summers. Finally there is the Newthorpe water treatment works, this can be viewed from the old service road to the coal plant and with care, can be viewed around most of the perimeter fence.

The North Marsh. An area roughly north of the main site and is mainly ancient river meadows plus a small Reed Mace bed. At the most northerly end of the area is a water treatment works, situated in derbyshire but viewed from Nottinghamshire. This area is best accessed from Eastwood Lock on the Erewash Canal.

Chat Corner. An area of rough fields, small plantations, marsh and river best reached from Bridge Street in Cotmanhay. Cross the canal bridge at the Bridge Pub, cross the canal towpath and take the footpath/bridle path directly ahead, follow this path and pass under the railway and cross the River Erewash into Nottinghamshire, proceed untill a “T” junction is reached, this is Chat Corner. All areas of Bennerley can be reached from this location.