Derbyshire Wildlife Trust facts for kids

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is a special group that helps protect nature in Derbyshire, UK. It's one of 46 local Wildlife Trusts across the country. This trust works hard to look after wild animals, plants, and their homes.

It started in 1962 because people were worried about threats to the countryside. Since then, it has grown a lot! The trust is now based in Belper, by the River Derwent. It's a charity, which means it's supported by over 14,000 members and more than 500 volunteers who give their time.

The trust looks after over 50 nature reserves. These are special places where different kinds of habitats are protected. Sixteen of these reserves are so important they are called Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust also teaches people about nature. They offer training, fun activities, and lessons about the environment. They also help landowners and other groups with advice and information about nature. You can find environmental lessons at the Whistlestop Centre in Matlock Bath and the Wildlife Discovery Room at Carsington Water.

How the Trust Started

The trust began in 1962. It was first called the Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust.

In the early 1960s, some people were worried about plans to dump waste at Ticknall Limeyards in South Derbyshire. They worked together and, with help from national groups, they stopped the dumping. After this success, they decided to form a local charity to deal with similar problems. That's how the Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust officially began.

By 1967, the trust had created two nature reserves. One was at Ticknall Limeyards itself. The other, Morley Brickyards, is a very important nature site (SSSI). It was leased to the trust and is still managed by them today. The trust also gained its first owned nature reserve, Overdale. This 15-hectare (37-acre) area of upland pasture was given by Portland Cement to celebrate European Conservation Year. In 1973, a gift of money allowed the trust to hire its first staff member.

As the trust grew, it became better at campaigning. In 1984, it made national news. The trust successfully took legal action against five men who were caught badger digging.

Growing and Protecting Nature

In 1986, the trust changed its name to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The next year, it launched an appeal to raise £200,000. This money was used to fix up old railway station buildings in Matlock Bath. They created the Whistlestop Countryside Centre there. This centre is a place for learning about nature. Later, a big award from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped them develop more nature reserves. It also helped them set up a Midweek Volunteer Team.

Since 2006, the trust has started many projects. These projects aim to protect animals and plants that are at risk. They also help people learn about important habitats. Some of these projects include:

• The Derby Cathedral's Peregrines Project.
• Great Trees of Derbyshire.
• Saving the Great Trees of Derbyshire. These projects teach people how important old trees are.
• Water for Wildlife. This project has helped bring back wetland habitats.

In 2007, the Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve opened near Chesterfield. It won an award for conservation. In the same year, a lottery grant helped the trust expand its education program. This project, called Grounds for a Change, turned school grounds in Derbyshire into places for wildlife. It also created outdoor learning spaces. The trust also took over managing Drakelow Nature Reserve. This is an important wetland in the south of the county. It is home to over 200 types of birds.

In early 2024, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust bought Common Farm. This 83-acre site in Nether Heage will become a new nature reserve. They bought it after a successful fundraising campaign.

How the Trust Works

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is run by a group of trustees. These trustees are chosen by the trust's more than 14,000 members. The trust also has about 26 experienced staff members. They manage the trust and carry out conservation and education projects.

The trust relies a lot on volunteers. Around 500 active volunteers help with many tasks. They help manage nature reserves, do office work, and assist with education programs.

Cool Projects

Derby Cathedral Peregrine Watch Project

The Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project started in 2006. The trust built a nesting platform for a pair of peregrine falcons. These falcons had tried to breed at the cathedral before but hadn't succeeded. After the platform was built, they had successful breeding seasons. The project now includes webcams, blogs, and special viewing events. People can watch the birds through telescopes at these events.

Badger Vaccination Scheme

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust runs the biggest badger vaccination project in the UK. Since 2014, they have vaccinated over 1,700 badgers. This helps keep badgers healthy.

Bringing Back Beavers

In 2021, the trust successfully brought back a pair of Eurasian beavers to Willington Wetlands. This was a big step! The beavers then had babies in 2022. This was the first time wild beavers had bred in Derbyshire in about 800 years.

Places the Trust Protects