Foremark Reservoir, near Swadlincote, is a popular destination offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Created in the 1970s, it provides a vital water supply for the region. Surrounded by woodland and open countryside, the reservoir attracts walkers, birdwatchers, and anglers. Its shores are home to diverse wildlife, and the water itself supports various aquatic species. With accessible paths and scenic views, Foremark Reservoir offers a peaceful escape and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment in South Derbyshire.

Foremark Reservoir

Foremark Reservoir has a capacity of approximately 6,140 million gallons and reaches a maximum depth of around 70 feet. Its construction involved building an earth embankment dam to impound water. Water is primarily pumped from the River Dove to fill and replenish the reservoir. From Foremark, water is then transferred onwards to the nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir. This interconnected system ensures a reliable water supply for the surrounding areas in Derbyshire and Leicestershire. The engineering behind the reservoir is a crucial aspect of its function.

Foremark Reservoir Facilities

Foremark Reservoir offers visitor facilities including convenient parking and accessible toilets. The National Trust operates a popular refreshment kiosk, providing drinks and snacks. Families can also enjoy the dedicated children’s play area. Picnic areas are available for enjoying the scenic surroundings. For recreation, there are marked walking trails around the reservoir and opportunities for birdwatching. While swimming and boating are restricted to protect the water supply and wildlife, the focus is on enjoying the natural environment through walking and observation. Parking is available on-site, with charges applicable. National Trust members can park free of charge. The car park is locked by 8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly. For a detailed map and more information, you can refer to the National Trust’s resources on Foremark.

Burton Sailing Club at Foremark Reservoir

Foremark Reservoir is home to an active sailing club, offering racing and recreational sailing for various skill levels. Members enjoy regular racing events and likely benefit from training opportunities. A range of dinghy classes can be seen on the water. The club provides a social environment for sailing enthusiasts and essential facilities for its members.

Bays and Benches at Foremark Reservoir

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and enjoy them throughout the nature reserve. There are formal picnic areas with benches provided and also hidden bays along the woodland walk. Dogs are welcome at Foremark and can explore various woodland and waterside routes. They can be off-lead in many areas if under close control but should be kept on short leads around car parks, visitor facilities, playgrounds, picnic benches, and along the bridleway, which is a multi-use route often used by horse riders. Dogs are not allowed in the water due to potential dangers such as blue-green algae.

Woodland Trail at Foremark Reservoir

The woodland surrounding Foremark Reservoir offers a delightful contrast to the open water, providing varied habitats and scenic walking trails. These woodlands are a mix of both established and more recently planted areas, creating a diverse environment for wildlife and offering different experiences for walkers. The trail at the southern end of the reservoir hugs the shoreline offering lovely views across to the dam. Delve deeper into the woodland to see ancient trees with paths leading through the dappled shade to the water below.

Carvers Rocks, located at the southern tip of the reservoir, is recognised as an SSSI for its valuable geology and plant life, including one of Derbyshire’s last patches of lowland heath adorned with blooming heather.

A Circular Walk around Foremark Reservoir

Enjoy a scenic circular walk around Foremark Reservoir. Cross Dragonfly Bridge at the southern end of the reservoir and follow the footpath to a road alongside Repton Scrubs. Continue through the natural beauty of Repton Common before returning to the reservoir’s main entrance via the Ticknall to Milton road. This route offers varied landscapes and opportunities to appreciate the area’s wildlife and tranquillity. The walk is around 4.5 miles in length but does not follow the shoreline on the east side of the reservoir. The walk is not waymarked so kit yourself out with the appropriate OS Map.

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Carvers Rocks is a stunning nature reserve at the southern edge of Foremark Reservoir in South Derbyshire. The site features dramatic gritstone outcrops shaped by erosion over thousands of years. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare wetland and heathland habitats. The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including dragonflies, woodpeckers, and rare plants. Managed by the National Trust, Carvers Rocks offers scenic trails through woodland, marsh, and open heath.

The Origin of the Name Carvers Rocks

Carvers Rocks was historically known as Repton Rocks in 1836 and later as Dawson’s Rocks, possibly linked to the Dawson family of Repton Waste Farm. The current name is believed to come from Lawrence Carver of Ticknall, born in 1701, or his family. Another theory suggests the name derives from the weathered, carved appearance of the gritstone formations. Over time, the local association with the Carver name took hold, shaping the identity of this striking Derbyshire landscape. Other names may have included Lowes Rocks and Hartshorn Rocks.

The Geology of Carvers Rocks

Carvers Rocks’ dramatic presence is rooted in geology. Formed during the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago, they are part of the Millstone Grit series. These layers of coarse-grained sandstone were deposited by vast river systems flowing across what was then a tropical region. Over millions of years, subsequent layers of sediment buried the gritstone, which then solidified under pressure. Later tectonic activity and erosion by ice and water sculpted the landscape, eventually exposing these resistant gritstone outcrops we see today. Unlike softer sandstones, gritstone contains larger quartz grains, making it more resistant to erosion, leading to the sculpted formations visible today.

Carver Rocks SSSI

Carvers Rocks SSSI, features a mosaic of habitats that support a diverse range of wildlife. The acidic grasslands and heathland provide a habitat for species such as the common lizard, butterflies, and moths. Ancient oak and birch woodlands shelter woodland birds, while buzzards and kestrels soar overhead. The rocky outcrops host specialist lichens and mosses, thriving in the exposed conditions.

Wetland patches and the Foremark Reservoir fringe attract waterfowl, including the Great Crested Grebe. Marshy areas support dragonflies, damselflies, and rare plants like bog asphodel and sundew. Seasonal highlights include spring bluebells and autumn fungi, making Carvers Rocks a vital site for biodiversity and conservation.

Heathland at Carvers Rocks

At Carvers Rocks, the upper regions feature a rare patch of lowland heath, characterised by heather (Calluna vulgaris) and acidic grassland communities. This habitat is uncommon in Derbyshire, making it ecologically significant. The thin, nutrient-poor soils atop the gritstone formations support heather, which blooms vibrantly in late summer and early autumn. This heathland provides habitat for various invertebrates, including butterflies and moths, and reptiles like the common lizard. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining this delicate ecosystem due to its rarity and biodiversity value.

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