Autumn stream, Steve Waterhouse
There's a lot to talk about!
Campaigning with David Bellamy in the early days
In the early 1960s a group of concerned people gathered together to oppose plans to tip fly ash at Ticknall Limeyards in South Derbyshire. Backed by national pressure, they were successful and decided to form a local charitable organisation to handle such issues. In 1962 Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust was formed.
During the 1960s and 70s the Trust acquired many nature reserves including Overdale, which was the first that we owned outright, and Hilton Gravel Pits. As we grew we were able to campaign more effectively and in 1984 we hit the national headlines when we won a private prosecution against five men caught badger digging.
As the 1990s dawned successful fundraising led to the opening of the Whistlestop Centre, an education facility in the old railway station buildings at Matlock Bath which has been restored in recent years. Later in the decade a major Heritage Lottery Fund award enabled us to develop our nature reserves work and set up what used to be known as our Midweek Volunteer Team.
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Where we are today
We are currently working on over 170 conservation and wellbeing projects, restoring species, habitats and bringing people from all walks of life closer to nature. With a turnover of more than £1.7 million we are in a position to inspire people to act for Derbyshire's wildlife and hold over 350 events each year to introduce people to Derbyshire's natural heritage.
Alongside this we are working for wildlife across five focused areas which we call Living Landscapes. Within these Living Landscapes sit 47 nature reserves which we manage with the help of 650 volunteers.