Midway Fishponds

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The site was first developed in the late 19th century to serve an adjacent mill. Later the ponds became used as sludge lagoons, used as part of the coal production process by local open cast mines. They now form an important wetland habitat in the urban environment and a valuable local amenity for informal recreation and education.

The two major habitat types found at the Fishponds are open water and semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, including an area of willow carr. In addition there are smaller areas of improved and semi-improved grassland, scrub, swamp vegetation and tall ruderal herbs. The two ponds support only minimal marginal and aquatic plant species, which enhances the recreational usage of the site, but is of limited benefit for biodiversity, particularly dragonflies and damselflies.

The ponds are now used primarily for recreational fishing and the site also offers good opportunities for informal recreation and environmental education.

In June 2008 the site was awarded £10,000 through the BBC Breathing Places scheme to carry out conservation management work, improve access and get the community involved.

To date, 10 environmental action days have taken place, led by British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, including clearing of invasive species, thinning of shrubs to encourage a wider range of plants, construction of disabled fishing platforms and path improvement works. In addition, Eureka Primary School have planted 500 native aquatic and marginal plants to help increase the biodiversity of the site.

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Contact details

South Derbyshire District Council
Grounds & Facilities
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595782
Fax: 01283 595720
Online: contact form
email: grounds@south-derbys.gov.uk  

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