The Whistlestop Countryside Centre

The Whistlestop Countryside Centre in Matlock Bath houses the Trust's wildlife gardening exhibition, demonstration wildlife garden and gift shop. In addition, thousands of children visit the centre each year, to take part in environmental education sessions and family activities.

The Centre is located in the old railway station buildings at Matlock Bath railway station and was opened by the Trust in 1989. The Centre is next to a large pay and display car park.

The demonstration wildlife garden was designed in 2000 by the Trust's Wildlife Gardening Project team with sponsorship from the Environmental Action Fund and additional support from Matlock Bath Parish Council. The garden contains many plants and features which can easily be incorporated into a garden to attract more wildlife.

The garden is complemented by an indoor exhibition, where budding wildlife gardeners will find more inspiration and motivation. You can find out about composting, feeding garden birds and bird boxes, among others.

The Centre also provides information about Derbyshire Wildlife Trust; most Trust leaflets are available, as well as a range of factsheets on wildlife gardening.