Restore Aqueduct Cottage

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!