Wilder Connections
Whether you enjoy spending some time outdoors, are a keen amateur naturalist, or are just starting to take an interest in nature, there are many different ways to get more involved to learn about, discover, connect to or help Derbyshire’s wildlife.
Our staff have come up with top suggestions for getting more involved, no matter what level of experience or knowledge you are starting from.
Let Us Help You Connect
Join in the fun with us (Families, teenagers, adults)
We run regular events and drop-in activities at our sites across the county. These are a great way to learn more about local wildlife. From pond dipping and bird box making to pruning and wildflower ID, we have events for everyone.
We can also run inspiring school visits at our site at Carsington Water or in your own school grounds:
Connect with your local wildlife sites
It has been proven that getting out into nature regularly is good for our mental health and wellbeing. If you have never been to a nature reserve or wildlife site before, don’t worry, we have some recommendations of sites that are easy to access and near facilities.
Our top suggestions for easily accessible sites :
For information on all of our sites click the link below:
If you can’t make it to a reserve, you can watch one from the comfort of your own home with our Wildscapes for Wellbeing:
Get stuck in!
If you want to help us look after nature, we have many diverse volunteering opportunities. From practical volunteering to admin roles, we have something for everyone. We have opportunities for adults and young people aged 11-18
Be part of the gang
There are regular sessions where you can meet with like-minded people and families to enjoy nature together.
- Nature Tots – Our outdoor playgroups for under 5s
- Wildlife Watch - Our family group aimed at those with children 5-11 years
- Junior Rangers- Our youth groups that get young people outdoors helping nature. Aimed at 11- 18 year olds
Connecting in your community
Make a difference in your own ‘backyard’
Help nature in your own garden, windowsill or green space by joining in with Team Wilder actions. Be part of the movement by mapping your action and see how small actions can add up to make a difference.
Take a Stand
Make a difference by having your say for nature. Join one of our campaigns or start your own. From as simple as writing a letter to your MP to express your opinion to setting up a new campaign with a community behind you, we have a toolkit to help:
Grow a Community
Meet other like-minded people by joining an existing local group
Or you can create your own group in order to engage others, help manage a green space or support your local wildlife
We can help with your skills and training, no matter what your current level of knowledge or experience, through courses such as Forest School Leadership, Nature Connection, Wellbeing and Practical Conservation.
Citizen science
Ever fancied taking part in a survey or monitoring project? There are citizen science projects taking place that rely on the participation of the public to gather data to improve scientific knowledge and understanding of birds, bats, butterflies or bees. There are projects across the county to get you interested:
Derbyshire Biological Records Centre
Butterfly Conservation Recording & Monitoring
Hedgehog Monitoring Programme
Swift Surveying
Bumblebee Surveying & Monitoring
Bat Surveying
Whenever you do great things for nature, you're inspiring others and creating a movement!
Tell friends about the actions they can take or join us on social media Facebook to share what you have been doing, we love to hear all about it.
You can also get involved by subscribing to our newsletter below or becoming a member.