Ashfield District Council: King's Mill Reservoir

King's Mill Reservoir

Kings Mill is a large reservoir and area of natural beauty on the Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield border.

Kings mill reservoir A medieval mill pond expanded in the 1830s it acted as a head of water for a dozen mills along the River Maun, along with water meadows several miles away. It is now a spectacular wildfowl sanctuary with a pleasant 1.5 mile walk around the perimeter.

The newly opened visitor centre offers refreshments, exhibitions and toilet facilities in an idyllic location. Kings Mill is home to the Sutton-in-Ashfield Sailing Club and The Mill Adventure Base for young people (contact 01623 556110 for The Mill). The area is a birdwatchers paradise being abundant with a wide variety of land and water species, but don’t forget to look at all other aspects of the outstanding natural history alongside the walks. At the northern end of the reservoir you will discover England’s oldest railway viaduct.

Kings Mill is the start of the Timberland Trail and overlaps on the Maun Valley Trail both of which present walkers with idyllic settings, including several heritage ponds along the river.

The site provides a habitat for a wide range of fascinating wildlife, and is ideal for peaceful walks, nature study and sailing on the reservoir itself. The area is a birdwatchers paradise being abundant with a wide variety of land and water species. Regular feathered visitors include: Snipe, Tufted Duck, Common Tern, Sparrow Hawk, Warblers, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit and many more.

A Black Swan sitting on her nest: Photo by Andie Gilmour

An Australian Black Swan

A duck on the banks of Kings Mill: Photo by Andie Gilmour

A duck at King's Mill

How Did Kings Mill Get Its Name?

Use the link in the left Menu to find out (Kings Henry II And The Miller).

Vehicular access is from Coxmoor Road (the B6139), just before the junction with Kings Mill Road East, (the A6).

The gates here are unlocked every morning at 9 a.m. by the Ranger service.

The gates are locked every evening at 9pm April to September, or 7pm October to March.

There is also access at the other side of the reservoir for light vehicles only, along Kings Mill Lane off of Sutton Road, over the narrow bridge. photo
of ducks and Canada geese at Kings Mill Reservoir

For more information contact:
Sutton-in-Ashfield Sailing Club
Kings Mill Reservoir
Sutton-in-Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
Telephone: (01623) 559605

The Mill Adventure Base
Coxmoor Road
Sutton-in-Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
Telephone: (01623) 556110

Nottinghamshire Anglers
Telephone: (01159) 400222

Ashfield District Council Ranger Service
Ranger Service contact details.