Black Rocks Conservation Work Complete

Black rocks, an outcrop of gritstone overlooking Cromford, was formed some 300 million years ago. It can be seen for miles and is much loved by those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, cycling, rock climbers, ramblers and wildlife watchers. The woodland and meadows around the outcrop are bursting with wildlife both common and rare. The lead tolerant spring sandwort and alpine pennycress are common here, but if its birds that excite you wood warbler, cross bill and redpoll have all been sighted at Black rocks.

Over the past six months Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been carrying out improvements to the Black Rocks site thanks to over £14,000 in funding from Tarmac, under the Landfill Communities Fund. Visitors can now enjoy a site with easier access, more seating, signage and exciting sculptures.

The site has become a real asset to the locals and a great place to stop whilst making you way along the Monsal Trail. With new benches and easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, the site has become an inclusive for everybody. The cafe onsite was renovated by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust during 2018 and it was important to us that we also got the opportunity to create a great outdoor landscape as well.

A new spider sculpture has been installed which is a great addition for the children who are allowed to play on the sculpture, giving them a real sense of freedom. Rangers from Derbyshire County Council have also installed new finger posts which links the visitors to other locations in Derbyshire.

Dave Savage, Eco Services Manager said “We are really happy with the work that has taken place at Black Rocks as we wanted to add a few special touches to the site which is loved by so many. It feels much more welcoming and makes the whole site accessible for everyone which is important to us at the Trust. The sculpture has also been a real hit on Instagram which isn’t something we expected when we installed it!”

For more information about Black Rocks and the cafe, visit https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/black-rocks-cafe