Derwent Living Forest

Derwent Connections was an 18-month project funded by the Green Challenge Recovery Fund which was completed by the Trust in March 2023 as part of the Derwent Living Forest Programme vision to create 30,000 hectares of wooded habitats (such as woodland, hedgerows, orchards and parklands) and wetland by 2050.

Its aim was to identify ways to make more space for nature, through improving woodland ecosystem connectivity; and more space for water by implementing natural flood management measures and slowing the flow across surfaces and down slopes.

Derwent Connections kick-started the creation of a new landscape centred around the River Derwent catchment.

Creating a landscape dynamic enough to support a rich and diverse range of habitats from which species can spread; a landscape complex enough to deliver a range of crucial ecosystem services, from carbon sequestration to natural flood management; and a landscape durable enough to withstand the untold impacts of climate change.

Working with local land-owners and community groups, the project in the last year has made more space for nature, through improving woodland ecosystem connectivity; and more space for water by implementing natural flood management measures and slowing the flow across surfaces and down slopes. The project has also worked to make more space and opportunities for the public to access, enjoy and engage with these spaces.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s vision for a Derwent Living Forest providing space for nature’s recovery and natural flood management is another step closer following the success of both the Trust’s Derwent Connections Project and the Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change Project. 

The important Living Derwent Forest programme development work carried out by the team behind Derwent Connections to map out these opportunities is being delivered on the ground, with many more hectares of habitat being created.

The Living Derwent Forest programme is part of the Nature Returns programme which is led by Natural England, in partnership with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst. The programme is co-sponsored by Defra and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and is funded through the HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund.

Last year, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust was awarded funding to carry out this work which aims to create connected wooded habitats between the Northern and National Forests to allow movement of species in response to climate change.

It is part of a trial to find the most effective ways to capture carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It will also develop an economically viable programme to support landowners to create and expand dynamic and resilient ecosystems.