Exploring the Nature Reserve at Foremark

View overlooking water at Foremark next to bare winter trees. — A winter view at Foremark | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Discover a countryside gem at Foremark, a 230-acre nature reserve with woodland, grass heathland and open countryside to explore. Whether you've visiting for scenic walks in the great outdoors or birdwatching and wildlife spotting, your adventure in nature starts here.

Walking at Foremark

Situated in the heart of the National Forest, Foremark has lots of waymarked routes through woodland and habitat, with links to the wider National Forest network – perfect for walkers and cyclists of all abilities.

Green walk

This 2.5km (1½-mile) walk takes you through along the bridleway through Scaddows Oaks Woodland and joins the reservoir walk, where you might spot Great Crested Grebe fishing in the water. Follow the green waymarkers.

Please keep dogs on lead along the Bridleway

The Bridleway is a multi-use route, which is often used by horse riders. Because of this, we ask that you keep your pooch on a lead along this route to ensure everyone has an enjoyable visit. This includes the nearby woodland, where dogs might then run onto the Bridleway.

Image shows a family holding hands enjoying an autumnal walk in the woodland — Stretch your legs at Foremark | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Orange walk

For a longer walk at Foremark, follow the orange waymarkers to enjoy a 5.25km (3¼-mile) circular walk with some steps, gates and steep slopes. You’ll visit Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve, woodland walks and views across the reservoir.

Please keep dogs out of the water

Please keep dogs on leads to protect nature and wildlife, and keep them out of the water for their safety, where blue-green algae is present.

Carver's Rock: a site of Special Scientific Interest

Top things to see include Carvers Rocks, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its valuable geology and plant life, and one of the last patches of lowland heath in Derbyshire.

Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve is a designated SSSI, where you’ll find a carpet of purple heather on one of Derbyshire’s last patches of lowland heath, as well as veteran trees which provide valuable habitat for plants, birds, and insects.

Wildlife spotting at Foremark

Foremark is home to a variety of wildlife habitats, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, ancient woodland habitat and heath grassland, making it a great place for wildlife spotting.

The water’s edge is a great place to spot birds, including waterfowl and gulls on the water, and wagtails and waders along the shoreline. The open skies are a great place for spotting raptors, with buzzards and peregrine falcon regularly seen at Foremark. In summer look out for damselflies and dragonflies skimming over the surface.

If you’re exploring the woodland, keep an eye out for wild fallow and muntjac deer and listen for birdsong in the trees – you’ll find lots of winged visitors all year round.