At its peak, the coking works carbonised 2,175 tonnes of coal a day, producing smokeless fuel, suphuric acid, ammonium sulphate, crude benzole and tar. The plant closed in 1992, leaving behind a mess of leaky tanks, pipelines, waste tips, lagoons filled with tar and soil poisoned with cyanide and arsenic.
It lay disused until 1999, when the enormous task of cleaning up the site began through the National Coalfield Programme.
The first phase of restoration was completed in 2007, which included the nature reserve. The Avenue Washlands now support an incredible array of wildlife, including several BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species, such as kingfishers, water voles, grass snakes and barn owls, which can be viewed from the special viewing platforms around the site.
Open access
On Mill Lane
Access to the site is via squeeze stiles which are just wide enough for mobility scooters. About 80% of the reserve, including the two viewing screens, is accessible to wheelchairs.
Maintained footpaths
Dogs must be on a lead at all times
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
9 Mill Lane ,
Chesterfield,
S42
