Restore Aqueduct Cottage

by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in Middleton, England, United Kingdom

We did it
On 5th June 2019 we successfully raised £10,200 with 190 supporters in 34 days

We've had great success in securing Aqueduct Cottage on the outside, but we still need your support to transform the inside.

by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in Middleton, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

Any additional funds will be used to commission interpretation panels to explain the cottage's fascinating history and place in nature, and support landscaping work to the additional buildings. 


Our Aim:

As part of helping as many people as possible understand why Lea Wood and the wider Derwent Valley is so special, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are working to repair and re-purpose Aqueduct Cottage. 

We’ll make sure the work will remain true to the original façade and we’ll ensure people feel welcomed in so they can learn why the building and its location are so distinct and then go on to discover the magic and beauty of Lea Wood and its wild surroundings.

History:

It was built in 1802 as a lengthman and lock-keepers cottage by the industrialist, and one time partner of Richard Arkwright, Peter Nightingale. Its construction, along with the canal lock at the entrance of the Lea Wood arm, was agreed as a part of a settlement to resolve a dispute over the water supply to the developing industries at Lea Bridge and Lea Wharf. Florence Nightingale was known to be friends with the occupants during the time she lived at Lea Hurst, in Holloway, and visited several times. It was abandoned in 1970 and after a spell as a wayfarer’s shelter, has fallen into disrepair, with the collapse of the roof seemingly sealing its fate as a ruin.

The Future: 

Through generous public donations, grant funding, and our amazing volunteers we can start the building work on the cottage this winter. Our overall aim is to have a visitor and community space where we can tell the story of Lea Wood, Aqueduct Cottage, and inspire people to care for  local nature and wildlife .

We would love to hold a grand opening of the cottage to coincide the Florence Nightingale Bi-centennial celebrations but can only do this if the interior work is completed in Spring and Summer 2020.

 We're asking for your support to help us complete the interior, design the images and interpretation to tell the story of the cottage and Lea Wood, and complete the outside facilities.

Help us to have this wonderful cottage restored and buy a brick to support our work!

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£25 or more

Individual Brick

£25 will allow you to 'buy a brick'. You'll receive a certificate and photograph of Aqueduct Cottage containing your brick number.

£50 or more

Family Brick

Buy a couple or Family Brick. We will send you a certificate with your family name, brick number and a photograph of the cottage.

£200 or more

3 of 40 claimed

VIP Package Ticket

You'll be treated as a VIP on the privately chartered Birdswood Canal Boat. Join a trip along the Cromford Canal to Aqueduct Cottage for the grand opening event. You'll receive afternoon tea and a guided walk through Lea Wood.

£500 or more

3 of 20 claimed

A permanent Thank You

We will inscribe your name on our 'Thank You' wall inside the cottage. You'll be invited to the grand opening event and receive a guided tour around Lea Wood.

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