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Description
Lower Hartshay and the Cromford Canal support a wide range of birds throughout the year. Spurvehøg are often seen hunting over the village and surrounding fields, while Musvåge soar overhead and the occasional Rød Glente drifts through. Fiskehejre regularly feed along the reedbeds and canal edges, with Bjergvipstjert picking insects from the water margins. Halemejse move through the trees in busy family parties, and Cettisanger are frequently heard calling from dense reedbeds.
Autumn and winter bring an increase in wildfowl and passage birds, with Canadagås , Grågås , Gråand , Krikand and Pibeand using the canal and nearby waters. Vibe , Dobbeltbekkasin and Vandrikse may appear in wetter areas, while Hættemåge , Sølvmåge and Sildemåge gather on open water and fields. Thrushes are a highlight at this time of year, with Vindrossel and Sjagger arriving from the continent alongside resident Sangdrossel and Misteldrossel. Mixed tit flocks, Fuglekonge , Stillits , Grønsisken and Gråsisken are regular, and corvids including Allike , Råge , Husskade and Skovskade are ever-present.
Spring and summer see the area come alive with breeding birds and migrants. Mursejler , Landsvale and Bysvale feed low over the canal and reedbeds, often joined by hunting Lærkefalk in warm weather. Reedbeds hold Rørsanger , Sivsanger and Cettisanger , while Gærdesanger and Gransanger sing from scrub and hedgerows. Bjergvipstjert , Rørhøne , Blishøne , Blåmejse and Musvit regularly breed along the canal, and Sanglærke can be heard over nearby fields. Occasional highlights include Lille Gråsisken Græshoppesanger , Storspove and Tårnfalk.
Overall, this short walk offers excellent habitat diversity and rewarding birding in all seasons, with something new to see throughout the year.
Details
Access
Cromford Canal and Lower Hartshay are located just west of Ripley. There’s no official parking, but on-road parking is possible. Please be mindful of local houses and park considerately. Press P on the map for directions.