Darnford Moors Ecology Park: Days Out Review

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust are on a mission to restore one of the region’s great lost canals. During this process, the Trust are keen to create safe spaces for nature to do its thing. One of the most recent spaces to open up to the public, is one of the Trust’s oldest pieces of land – Darnford Moors Ecology Park. This stretch of the lost canal has been impacted by the A38, HS2 and has a natural brook to contend with, making it a complex problem for the trust to deal with. Thanks to years of hard work and contributions from various agencies and businesses, the Trust have been able to recreate a stretch of the canal, divert it along a revised path, cross Darnford Brook, and turn it into a much-needed wildlife haven.

After hearing the news that the new ‘Darnford Moors Ecology Park’ had opened to the public, Team Hedgehog took a walk around the park one sunny bank holiday afternoon.

Our Visit to Darnford Moors Ecology Park

After driving a short distance down Darnford lane in Lichfield, we spotted Darnford Moors Golf Club. Directly next door to the club we could see a small gravel car park (just big enough for 2-3 cars). Having parked up, we started to walk the new circular 1k route and instantly we noticed two things: the first, just how nice it looked, there was a large gravel footpath encircling water, that will become part of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal. The second was an inquisitive Common Raven that had flown close to us and appeared to be enjoying a drink of water from a puddle, atop a pile of large concrete blocks that are being stored by the trust for use on a later project.

Information boards are placed along the route informing visitors of the route, the wildlife you could expect to see and how the canal came about, along with Trust information.

Carrying on with our walk, we soon noticed some movement in the water. On closer inspection we could see several Tadpoles; a sign that the local frog population had already discovered this serene stretch of water. Walking down with the golf club on our left, we could see a coppice across the water (more on that soon). We then spotted a duck family casually swimming, with the little ducks craning their necks upwards to gobble up some of the gnats hovering over the water.

Handily placed benches sit alongside the water if you want to rest a while and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Lichfield locals might recognise these as repurposed from one of Lichfield’s supermarkets!

It's a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy.

-Garry

Darnford Moors Ecology Park Gallery

A selection of images from walk of the Ecology Park.

Darnford Moors Ecology Park

The Silver Hedgehog Rating: 10 'Must Visit'

Visit Experience
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As a public space Darnford Moors Ecology Park is free to visit. Walking along a canal and taking in the beauty of nature is truly a wonderful experience. The peaceful and serene atmosphere allows for a moment of tranquillity and reflection. The sound of the water flowing, the sight of the trees and wildlife, and the fresh air all contribute to a sense of calm and relaxation. It's a perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and appreciate the simple joys that nature has to offer. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, being by the canal allows us to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy.

Words: Garry
Editor: JJ
Photos Lichfield Photographic

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