Ogston Water lies in the beautiful Amber Valley in Derbyshire, 4½ miles east of Matlock. It is owned and managed by Severn Trent Water and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reservoir and surrounding area, with habitats including farmland and woodland, is one of Derbyshire’s premier bird watching sites and is home to Ogston Bird Club. It is an important site for Spring and Autumn passage migrants and is a key inland site for watching and recording Gull roosts during the winter months.

The Ogston site has four bird hides, three of which are owned and maintained by Ogston Bird Club, all well positioned to offer great views of the varied habitat and reservoir shoreline. Ogston Bird Club work with Severn Trent and Natural England to maintain the Ogston Water site as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Maintenance of the reedbeds, scrapes and wetland areas is vital for the birds which use the reserve.

Our Club Constitution requires us –

• To study and record the birds of Ogston Reservoir and adjacent wetlands and to make such records available to the public.

o All sightings are shared with Derbyshire Ornithological Society, Natural England and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

o Comprehensive Annual Reports contribute to Club archives and are shared with other wildlife authorities.

• To maintain and improve the habitat and land for the benefit of birds and other wildlife.

o Work includes managing the ever-expanding willow and birch saplings, controlling our healthy reedbeds and managing the rich and diverse meadows.

• To advance the education of the public in the birds and other wildlife.

o Member work parties work with our landlords to maintain public viewing points along the reservoir periphery.

o Monthly Guided walks ‘free to all’.

o Supervised educational visits. (wheelchair access at the Ogston site)

o Supervised visits to our facilities for Community Groups and other Wildlife Groups

o Presentations on our work and wildlife species to Community Groups

o Open Hide days – supervised access to all.

Ogston Bird Club also owns and manages Jim Mart Nature Reserve in the hamlet of Press near Ashover. During the summer months it is a great place for members to see dragonflies and butterflies. Much more information about this Reserve can be found by clicking the Jim Mart NR heading at the top of this page.

o Supervised educational visits during the summer months

 

Contact the Club Secretary for further information (see Who’s Who page)