Derbyshire Wildlife Trust launched the Derwent Survival Plan in September, calling on the public to help raise funds to help save this precious ecosystem and nature’s recovery across the county.
As Derbyshire’s largest single ecosystem, the River Derwent is home to some incredible species, but beneath the tranquil surface of the water, the health of the river is in rapid decline. Pollution, increased fluctuations in water levels, and large-scale felling of riverside trees are just some of the threats the waterway faces.
With the money raised by members and supporters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s expert teams can now take action to help nature recover on the water and surrounding landscape – projects such as planting trees to stabilise riverbanks and provide shade, and reedbeds to slow water flow, creating habitats for birds like bitterns, and helping to remove pollutants before water enters the Derwent.
Ben Carter, Director of Development at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:
“The support we have received for our rivers appeal this Autumn has been incredible. We want to thank each and every person who has donated or shared the appeal with friends and family to help restore the river Derwent's natural habitats.
“Despite the appeal ending, our work for Rivers is far from over. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll be launching our River Derwent Charter to protect and restore our waterways. Working with our partners at Trent Rivers Trust, we’ll be asking councils along the catchment to adopt six simple and achievable actions to restore rivers to health and secure clean water.”