After the Group was launched on January 1st 2000 within the first year recordings of 1860 entries of birds were made.

By 2002 the number of individual records reached 6800 and demonstrated the interest and dedication of the 40 or so recorders.

Skylark taken by Ron Peet (the Gardener)

150 different species have been recorded on site, 24 of which have been identified as breeding.

Female reed bunting taken by Brian Hill.

Species such as Skylark (20-30 pairs), Meadow Pipit, Little Ringed Plover, Red Shank and Yellow Wagtail have bred on site, and there is a strong possibility of Reed Warbler being added to this list.

A flock of Siskins visited us on site early this year. Taken by Brian Hill.

Other notable species to visit the site have been a Red Kite, Marsh Harrier,Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Curlew Sandpiper.

A Northern Wheatear taken by Brian Hill

The biggest birding event to date was the unexpected arrival of a Shorelark at 7.28am 22nd January 2002. It stayed for two months till March 18th. This was one of the longest staying individuals in Britain and one of the 7th recorded incidents in Derbyshire.

Willow Warbler (above)

Lesser Whitethroat (below) both by Brian Hill