Brierley Forest Park

Brierley Forest Park is a haven for wildlife offering nature walks covering over two miles, as well as cycling trails and a route for horse riders. The Green Flag park covers 78 hectares through woodlands, hay meadows, streams, and wetland areas. It has a wide variety of facilities, including a lake with fishing platforms, mountain bike track, children’s play area, picnic area, and sculpture trail.

Take a stroll around the park’s arboretum and its remembrance grove, and head to Brierley Café and Visitor Centre for refreshments and a chance to learn about the park’s former colliery history. Visitors can also discover wildlife and birdlife including foxes, owls, meadow pipits, lapwings, and a large population of skylarks that nest on the former spoil tip. The wildflower meadows at the park include species such as yarrow and ox-eye daisy. Learn about the free Brierley Forest 5k parkrun held every Saturday at 9am.

The history
The park, which officially opened in 1994, is located on former farmland and the site of Sutton Colliery. There are several reminders of the site’s coal mining past, through the timber miner sculptures outside the visitor centre, the commemorative stone on Rooley Tops, and the pit wheels along the main path to Brierley Waters. Within the visitor centre, there are displays illustrating the site’s history.

Opening times: The park and car park are open 24 hours.

How to get there
By car: Exit at Junction 28 on the M1 and continue on the Alfreton Road/A38.
By train: Sutton Parkway (2.7 miles).
Parking: There is free car parking, including disabled spaces, at Brierley Forest Park.

Facilities: Visitor centre, hearing loop, café, toilets, car park including disabled parking.

Learn about recommended park walk routes at Brierley Forest Park.