Staffordshire Moorlands, near Buxton, Staffordshire, SK17 0TA
Black Brook Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
5.6
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.6At 121 hectares, Black Brook is a substantial moorland reserve where Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is restoring a conifer plantation towards open moorland and native woodland. The hill at Gib Torr rocks is a highlight, with views over the surrounding landscape.
This is a large, open-feeling Staffordshire Moorlands reserve with public footpaths, wild moorland views from Gib Torr rocks and an ongoing shift from conifer plantation towards open moorland and native woodland. Its wet, uneven paths make it a more rugged visit than a surfaced parkland walk.
Wild · Peaceful · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapStaffordshire Moorlands, near Buxton, Staffordshire, SK17 0TA
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The experience
Explore the reserve using its public footpaths and established paths, allowing for wet, uneven ground. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust highlights Gib Torr rocks for views across the moorland and recommends listening for returning curlews in spring.
Things to do
Walk to Gib Torr rocks
Follow a public footpath or established path towards the hill at Gib Torr rocks, a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust-highlighted spot for views across the moorland. Paths are unsurfaced and often extremely wet.
Listen for returning curlews
In spring, listen for migratory curlews returning to the moorlands, which the Trust describes as heralding the start of the season.
Notice the changing landscape
Look for the reserve’s ongoing landscape transformation: the Trust is restoring a conifer plantation towards open moorland mixed with native woodland.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
Gib Torr rocks and moorland views
- 01
Use a public footpath or established path across the reserve.
- 02
Head towards the hill at Gib Torr rocks and take in the views across the moorland.
- 03
Return by an established path; expect uneven, unsurfaced and often very wet ground.
Verified history
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust describes a long-term restoration project at Black Brook, transforming a conifer plantation towards open moorland and native woodland. The available source does not provide a project date or further historical account.
Hidden details
Gib Torr rocks viewpoint — The Trust highlights the hill at Gib Torr rocks as a place to take in views across the moorland landscape.
Spring curlew calls — Listen for migratory curlews returning to the moorlands; the Trust describes their return as heralding the start of spring.
When to go
March · April · May · For spring bird listening, choose a quiet time and listen for curlews; the source does not specify a best hour.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust recommends the reserve throughout the year and singles out spring for the return of migratory curlews.
Paths are unsurfaced, uneven and often extremely wet. Check conditions before visiting and wear footwear suitable for wet ground.
The route
- stiles
- Stiles and narrow gates are present.
- surface
- Unsurfaced paths; often extremely wet in places.
- difficulty
- Uneven, unsurfaced paths that are often extremely wet; walking may be difficult away from established paths.
- start point
- Staffordshire Wildlife Trust map marker for Black Brook; the Trust identifies a surfaced area at the marker that can be used for parking.
- parking start
- A surfaced area at the map marker can be used for parking. Check before visiting.
- Gib Torr rocks, highlighted for views across the moorland landscape.
- In spring, listen for returning migratory curlews.
- The reserve’s moorland restoration and native woodland creation project.
What to look for
Look and listen for curlews returning to the moorlands in spring. At Gib Torr rocks, pause for views across the surrounding moorland. Notice the landscape restoration underway, which is intended to replace conifer plantation with open moorland and native woodland.
Best time to go
Throughout the year, according to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Spring is a particular highlight for listening for returning curlews.
The Trust says the reserve can be visited throughout the year. In spring, listen for returning curlews; allow extra time and take care on paths that are often very wet.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust describes public footpaths and additional established paths across the reserve. Paths are unsurfaced and often extremely wet; expect uneven ground, stiles and narrow gates. A surfaced area at the map marker can be used for parking. Check conditions and access information with the Trust before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
A surfaced area at the map marker can be used for parking. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs should be kept under effective control, close by and preferably on a lead, especially April to July when ground-nesting birds may be nesting.
Accessibility
The Trust reports uneven, unsurfaced paths that are often extremely wet, as well as stiles and narrow gates. The source row says the car park and entrance are not wheelchair accessible. Contact the Trust for current access advice.
Cost
Free
Water
Brook
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Black Brook Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
