Post-Industrial Waterways in North-East Derbyshire

We will start the day at Poolsbrook Country Park, near Staveley. This is Chesterfield's largest park with miles of trails, extensive woodland plantations, meadows, lakes and wildlife habitats. It opened in the 1990s having been reclaimed from spoil heaps following the closure of the Ireland Colliery. It is now well established, offering plenty of opportunities to photograph water in the landscape, and a wide range of colourful plants and trees around the lakes. There is also a wide range of waterfowl on the lakes.

After lunch, we will move a short distance to Hollingwood, on the nearby Chesterfield Canal. The towpath walks offer good opportunities for photographing landscape, trees, plants and wildlife. In addition there is more evidence of the transition from the industrial past of the canal to a more recreation-focused future.

In both venues there are well made paths and, while you will be free to wander, there is no requirement to walk long distances to get your photographs. There are good opportunities for creative photography, for example intentional camera movement and long exposure. I usually put a macro lens in my bag as well and often find a good use for it.