Derbyshire Wildlife Trust facts for kids

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is a special group that helps protect nature in Derbyshire, UK. It's one of 46 similar groups across the country. They started in 1962 because people were worried about threats to local wildlife. The trust has grown a lot since then. Their main office is now in Belper, by the River Derwent. It's a charity supported by over 14,000 members and 500 volunteers.

The trust looks after 43 nature reserves. These places cover about 630 hectares (that's like 1,550 football fields!). They include different types of land, from wet gravel pits to moorland and woodlands. Fourteen of these reserves are so important they are called Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

The trust also works with schools, local communities, and landowners. They help everyone learn about and protect the natural world. You can find environmental education and workshops at places like the Avenue Washlands Visitor Centre, the Whistlestop Centre, and the Wildlife Discovery Room at Carsington Water.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust uses a 'Living Landscape' idea for nature protection. This means they work with local businesses, landowners, and people. They help restore and improve natural areas across the county. The goal is to create a healthier environment for wildlife, local businesses, and people.

How Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Started

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

Protecting Ticknall Limeyards

In the early 1960s, a group of people got together. They wanted to stop plans to dump ash at Ticknall Limeyards in South Derbyshire. With support from national groups, they succeeded! After this, they decided to form a local charity to deal with similar issues. That's how Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust officially began.

Growing and Protecting More Land

By 1967, the trust had two nature reserves. One was at Ticknall Limeyards, the place they helped save. The other was Morley Brickyards, which is still a nature reserve today. The trust also got its first owned reserve, Overdale. This 15-hectare (37-acre) area of upland pasture was given to them. In 1973, a gift allowed the trust to hire its first staff member.

Standing Up for Wildlife

As the trust grew, it could do more to help wildlife. In 1984, they made national news. They successfully took legal action against five men caught harming badgers. This showed how serious they were about protecting animals.

In 1986, the group changed its name to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The next year, they launched an appeal to raise £200,000. This money was for renovating an old railway station in Matlock Bath. They turned it into the Whistlestop Countryside Centre. This became a new education facility. Later, a big grant helped the trust develop more nature reserves. It also helped them set up a team of volunteers who work during the week.

Recent Achievements

In 2007, the Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve opened near Chesterfield. It won an award for being the best restoration site in a bird challenge. In the same year, a grant helped the trust expand its education program. They started 'Grounds for a Change'. This project transforms school grounds in Derbyshire into places where wildlife can thrive. It also creates outdoor learning spaces for students. The trust also took over managing Drakelow Nature Reserve. This is an important wetland in the south of the county. Over 200 types of birds visit this site.

In recent years, the trust has started many projects. These projects aim to protect and raise awareness about animals and habitats that are at risk. Some projects include:

• Derby Cathedral's Peregrines Project: This helps protect peregrine falcons.
• Great Trees of Derbyshire: This project highlights the importance of old trees.
• Water for Wildlife: This project helps restore wetland habitats.

How Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Works

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 has about 26 experienced staff members. They manage the trust and carry out projects to protect nature and educate people.

Volunteers are super important to the trust's work. They help with many things. This includes looking after nature reserves, helping with office tasks, and supporting education programs. The trust currently has around 500 volunteers.

List of Nature Reserves