Peak District shopping village’s nature reserve looks like a puddle in a field

Nestled deep in the Peak District National Park, in the small village of Rowsley hides a little taste of retail therapy. The Peak Village shopping centre lies on Chatsworth Road, a stone’s throw away from the famous stately home and, as of 2021, is now owned by the Devonshire Property Group.

The group has already announced ambitious plans for the shopping village with new stores due to open in time for the summer and evidence of that can be seen as you walk around the small, horse-shoe shaped offering.

There is the odd empty shop, although many of them have signs in the window or workmen on the shopfloor indicating that they will soon be occupied. The selection of shops that were open when we paid a visit gave us the indication that the centre is targeted more towards the family market with clothing shops, kitchenware and book stores all on offer.

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There is also a children’s play area alongside the food hall and a quiet little part of the village for customers to sit outside and enjoy an ice cream, or a cup of tea and a slice of cake, should the weather allow.

Across from the ample car park you will find the entrance to the nature reserve. Partnered with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the reserve started in 2019 and describes itself as somewhere that “has evolved into a special place for visitors, the local community, and most importantly for nature”.

To be honest, we weren’t very impressed with the nature reserve, as it appeared to be nothing more than a puddle in the middle of a field and, apart from the odd bird, there wasn’t much in the way of wildlife.

Indeed even the local population of ducks appeared to prefer the shopping centre’s car park then the nature reserve. However, given that it only began in September 2019, you could forgive it for needing further time to bed in and establish the wildlife element.

On the whole, Peak Village shopping centre offers a quaint retail experience, with the chance to enjoy a small piece of the Peak District National Park, and the River Derwent drifting by, while you spend your hard-earned money.