Canals: Cromford Canal

The Cromford Canal, which runs along the Derwent River Valley from Cromford to Ambergate and is linked to the High Peak Trail, was last used as a working waterway in 1944, having been used in connection with local industry. As a habitat the canal contains a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Pondweeds and reeds can be found in the canal, water mint and meadow sweet line the banks and both meadow and woodland plants can be found along the towpath.

In summer, dragonflies and damselflies can be seen darting over the water whilst ducks, moorhens and little grebes (also known as dabchicks) are a year-round feature of the canal. The elusive grass snake can also be found here, whilst the canal is one of the last remaining strongholds for Derbyshire's declining water vole population. Both of these are priority Biodiversity Action Plan species.

The canal is a particularly important site and has been designated as a SSSI for its entire length. The section between Whatstandwell and Ambergate is also managed as a Nature Reserve by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust as well as being a Local Nature Reserve.