River Derwent at Cromford Bridge
Become a member today
Become a member today and support the river Derwent's precious ecosystem and natures recovery across Derbyshire.
We are committed to restoring the habitats these, and other, species need to survive. But we can’t do this alone; we need your donations so that together we can restore and protect the river Derwent's natural habitats.
Join to help us protect and enrich wildlife along the Derwent
Join by 30th November and you can choose to receive a fabulous toy Barn Owl, Otter or Fox. We’ll also send you news of a guided wildlife nature walk near you – exclusively for new members!
As a member, you will also receive our Wilder Derbyshire magazine (three issues a year) with insights to help you get more from our reserves, plus news of special events for adults and children, held across our sites.
How your membership helps protect the Derwent
Human actions are behind the chief threats to wildlife along the River Derwent. Here are just a few of those threats, and some of the many actions we are planning or already taking
River Pollution
Planting reedbeds slows the water flow, creating habitats for birds like bitterns, and helps remove pollutants before water enters the Derwent.
Excessive Tree Removal
We’re working with landowners to promote riverside tree planting to restore shade, stabilise the riverbanks and create new habitats.
Obstacles and River Straightening
We’re re-meandering a tributary stretch of the Derwent – back to its pre industrial revolution course – to slow the flow and allow new habitats to develop.
The bypass of weirs allows Atlantic salmon to once again navigate deep inland to their ancient spawning grounds.
Who needs your help?
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon leaping ©Rob Jordan/2020VISION
Atlantic salmon are back and breeding after an absence of hundreds of years, since we tackled obstacles to allow them to swim back to some of their ancient breeding grounds. But pollution, increased fluctuations in water levels and higher temperatures are new threats!
Water Voles
These small mammals work tirelessly to improve their waterside habitats, and their efforts also create
opportunities for other wetland species to thrive. But they are now endangered in the UK through habitat loss. Our habitat restoration programme will help water vole numbers recover and become re-established in different areas of the Derwent.
European Otter
Luke Massey
Derbyshire’s otters were almost wiped out due to persecution and pesticide use. Now protected by
UK law, and with improved water quality in the Derwent, otters have at last returned. They remain listed
as ‘endangered’, and need more habitats to breed and thrive.
Find out more about Derbyshire's rivers
Learn More
River by Linda Pitkin/2020VISION