Species Reintroduction Assessments. To ensure the creation of balanced ecosystems, we have undertaken extensive research into the feasibility of reintroducing lost species to Wild Peak. We have published four reintroduction assessment reports for key species and have employed specialist advice on a further three. The results of these reports have advised not only our 2030 habitat restoration goals, but also the need for a thorough consultation process to engage key stakeholders.

An exciting new space for nature, Wild Whittington. The Trust secured the purchase of 60 acres of land at Old Whittington, to the north of Chesterfield. ‘Wild Whittington’ will be a place for nature to rewild and local people to enjoy for nature to rewild and local people to enjoy thanks to overwhelming support from the public, generous grants and philanthropic loans.

Over 2000 residents back Rewilding Allestree Park. More than 2,000 people responded to the public consultation on the future of Derby City’s Allestree Park, the largest ever consultation response the city has seen. An overwhelming majority of respondents backed a community-led approach to rewilding for the site, which will see Allestree Park become an accessible, inclusive nature-rich space for all to enjoy.

Atlantic salmon to return to parts of Derbyshire after more than 100-year absence. Working with partners at
the Wild Trout Trust, Chatsworth Estate, and Nestlé Waters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is managing a new project to improve water quality, enrich the ecological status of the river and re-meander a section of the river back to its original channel. This will bypass a weir at the site of the former Postern Mill in Turnditch and create a route for fish migration.

Aqueduct Cottage Opened to the public. A four-year project to save Aqueduct Cottage, a derelict 19th century building once owned by the family of Florence Nightingale, has been completed and the building is now open to the public. Aqueduct Cottage provides an important visitor gateway to Lea Wood Nature Reserve and the wider Derwent landscape. A whopping 7,500 hours of volunteer time went into the restoration!

Beavers are back! With little ones too! Since reintroducing beavers to Derbyshire in 2021 for the first time in 800 years, we now have two baby kits at Willington Wetlands Nature Reserve! We brought beavers back as they are incredible wetland engineers who are proven to be both the best and an entirely natural solution to keeping streams and wetlands healthy and diverse for all other plants, animals, birds and insects.

Increasing access to the public. We know how important it is that people have access to natural outdoor spaces to relax, unwind and make the most of their leisure time. Recent funding has enabled us to revamp access at Willington Wetlands making it accessible for many more people all year round. The inclusion of a bridge over the Egginton Brook has linked nearly 5 miles of tracks and towpath allowing people to get even closer to wildlife and nature on foot or bike.

Natural Flood Management. In the Erewash valley large scale wetland habitat restoration is about to take place where we will restore natural meanders and reconnect the River Erewash with the historic floodplain, recreating wildlife rich wet meadows and allowing water to move more slowly through the landscape which will reduce flooding in nearby Langley Mill and Giltbrook.