The Sanctuary (Derby) facts for kids

This is what the habitat at The Sanctuary looked like before some changes were planned in 2014. You can see the Pride Park Football Stadium in the background.

The Sanctuary is a special place for birds and other wildlife in Derby, England. It is a local nature reserve, which means it's a protected area important for nature. The Sanctuary covers about 12 hectares (that's like 30 football fields!). It's located next to the River Derwent, near the Pride Park Stadium and Derby Arena. There were once plans to build a cycle track over part of this nature reserve. Many people were against this idea. The plans were stopped in 2014 after a lot of public opposition.

How The Sanctuary Started

The land where The Sanctuary is now used to be a gas works. This meant the ground was quite dirty. However, even with its past, the city council saw it as a "Site of Interest for Nature Conservation." This means it was recognized as an important place for nature.

In 2003, some of the dirty material from other parts of Pride Park was safely buried here. But even before that, in 2001, people found that ground-nesting birds were living on the site. Also, many birds that travel long distances (called passage migrants) used it as a stopover. Because of this, a plan was made to protect the grassy areas. The goal was to help these birds nest and create "the city's first bird reserve."

Margaret Beckett MP and the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Ruth Skelton, at the launch of The Sanctuary Bird Reserve in July 2004.

The Sanctuary Bird and Wildlife Reserve officially opened in July 2004. A very important person, Margaret Beckett MP, who was the Secretary of State for the Environment at the time, helped launch it. The Mayor of Derby was also there.

Amazing Birds and Wildlife

Today, The Sanctuary is home to many birds that nest there. These include skylarks, reed buntings, and lapwings. These birds are important because they are part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This plan helps protect species that need special care. The Sanctuary also has special habitats for other birds like sand martins and little ringed plovers to breed.

Visiting The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is not a place where you can just walk in anywhere. However, there are four special viewing spots around the edge. These spots allow the public to watch the birds and wildlife without disturbing them.

The Sanctuary has received awards for being a great natural space. In 2005, it won a Green Apple Award and a Green Infrastructure Award. These awards recognize places that are good for the environment. The site also has ramps to make it easy for people with disabilities to access the viewing points. In 2006, it was officially named a Local Nature Reserve.

Special Bird Sightings

Sometimes, rare birds visit The Sanctuary. In February 2005, a Dartford warbler stayed there for six weeks. This was a very exciting event for bird watchers! The Dartford warbler had not been seen in the area since 1840. Its visit showed how important The Sanctuary is for different types of birds.