The cottage, located next to the Trust’s Lea Wood Nature Reserve along the Cromford Canal, has been lovingly and carefully restored over 7,500 hours by a team of dedicated volunteers.  

Restoration work has included a new roof, stabilising and repointing walls, new floors and tiling, installing an upstairs exhibition and community space, and creating wildlife friendly gardens. 

Now completed, the Trust is inviting people to visit this historical building, learn about its fascinating history and join in a day of free activities to celebrate its opening.  

Between 10.00am and 3.00pm, staff and volunteers from the Trust will deliver a host of activities from guided tours of the cottage (booking required) and nature trail walks through Lea Wood, to outdoor crafts for all the family and a chance to learn how to ID valuable wildlife and the importance of this. 

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Team Wilder will also be at the event to demonstrate how people can take action for nature by planting seeds or growing their own grub using anything from an old wheelbarrow, a tyre, a teapot, an old pair of boots, or just about anything can be turned into a plant pot. 

After hearing first hand from some of the volunteers who worked on this restoration, visitors to the event can also learn more about volunteering opportunities with Aqueduct Cottage and other Derbyshire Wildlife Trust projects. 

Lisa Witham, Head of Wilder Communities at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: 

“To see the project come to fruition after four years is incredibly exciting. Now rejuvenated, Aqueduct Cottage provides an important gateway to Lea Wood Nature Reserve and the wider Derwent landscape, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to showcase more about the area and its wildlife.  

“This project would not have been possible without the hard work of our passionate volunteers and the generous donations of our supporters and members, so huge thanks to everyone who has worked to bring Aqueduct Cottage back to life.” 

Volunteer Ron Common, added: 

“Saving Aqueduct Cottage has been one of the most heart-warming conservation projects the county has seen in recent years. There has been an amazing level of support from the community which has under-pinned the success of the project.  

“In addition to important cash donations from organisations and individuals, thousands of pounds worth of materials and complimentary services have been provided free of charge, plus a staggering 7,500 hours of volunteer time has been put in by our dedicated team over the past three and half years.  

“The restoration is a wonderful gift from the community for the benefit of present and future generations and it's a real Derbyshire ‘good news’ story that we can all be proud of.” 

Find out more about the opening event on 25 March and how to book a guided tour