Kids can get back to nature at Carsington Water

The visitor friendly reservoir is just a short drive from Ashbourne, Belper or Matlock.

Severn Trent’s rangers have also planned stacks of fun things for intrepid explorers and budding wildlife watchers to enjoy. At Staunton Harold – just near Melbourne – and Foremark, which is not far from Burton-on-Trent, kids can test their knowledge on a quiz with answers that can only be uncovered by hunting the grounds for clues and answers.

Also, on Wednesday, February 19, working with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, there’s chance to see real barn owls and learn more about one of the country’s most beautiful native birds.

Unfortunately, over recent years the number of owls spotted at Carsington has dropped. So, together with Carsington Bird Club, extra owl boxes are being installed around the site by rangers to help provide a safe nesting place and shelter for owls in the coming years. Money raised by owl events on the day will be donated to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Severn Trent Water manager, Ben Young, explains: “We don’t want children across Derbyshire to get bored this half- term. Our reservoirs provide a great chance for families to get out in the open air and enjoy the stunning countryside, while they have fun at the same time.

“Working together, we’ve got some great events planned like welly wandering and barn owl spotting at Carsington Water. There are also quizzes at Staunton Harold and Formark reservoirs. And, to finish it all off, at the Fairholmes Visitor Centre in the Upper Derwent Valley, there’s also chance to learn more about aircraft wrecks of years gone by, which are hidden on the hills and moorland surrounding the valley’s reservoirs.”

To find out more about the half-term events and Severn Trent Water’s visitor friendly reservoirs, visit www.stwater.co.uk/daysout.