As Derbyshire’s largest single ecosystem, the River is home to some incredible species, from white-clawed crayfish and otters to Atlantic salmon. But beneath the tranquil surface of the water, the health of the river is in rapid decline.

Thousands of unique habitats, and the scores of Derbyshire’s native species that depend on them, are moving closer to extinction every day. Pollution, increased fluctuations in water levels, and large-scale felling of riverside trees are just some of the threats the waterway faces.

To help save this precious ecosystem, the Trust has launched the Derwent Survival Plan and is calling on the public to raise £195,000 before winter arrives, to help the team focus on the most urgent projects for nature’s recovery across Derbyshire.

With support from generous members and supporters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s expert teams will take action to help nature recover on the water and surrounding landscape - Projects such as planting riverside trees to stabilise riverbanks and provide shade, reedbeds to slow water flow, creating habitats for birds like bitterns, and help to remove pollutants before water enters the Derwent. 

Projects to bypass weirs will allow fish passage for species like Atlantic salmon, and leaky dams will be added in other parts of the river system to slow the flow for the benefit of wildlife. 

Jennifer Kril, Living Rivers Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:

“The Derwent catchment is an incredibly important ecosystem in Derbyshire, but human actions have degraded and polluted this iconic river, destroying habitats and threatening species. We must act now before it is too late.

“White-clawed crayfish are at risk of extinction, lamprey are red listed, otters are red listed, water voles are endangered, and Atlantic Salmon are under threat. We are committed to restoring the habitats these, and other plants and animals, need to survive, but we cannot do this alone. We urgently need donations so that together we can restore and protect the river Derwent's natural habitats.    

“We are so grateful for the support we have already received and hope our appeal is successful in allowing us to focus on the most pressing issues along the River this Autumn.”

To make a donation to the appeal or to find out more about the threats our rivers face, visit the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust website here.