Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust covers the whole of Derbyshire, in the United Kingdom. It is one of 47 local Wildlife Trusts around the UK working to promote and protect local wildlife. It was founded in 1962 in response to environmental threats to the local countryside and has continued to grow. The Trust is now based at East Mill on the River Derwent in the town of Belper, Derbyshire. It is a Registered Charity (Number 222212), supported by more than 14,400 members and over 500 volunteers.

The Trust manages 41 nature reserves covering 630 hectares (1,600 acres) throughout the county, from flooded gravel pits in the south to moorland and upland woodland in the north. Fourteen of these are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). The Trust also works with schools, local communities, local authorities, landowners and others to promote and protect the natural environment. Environmental education and workshops are provided at the Avenue Washlands Visitor Centre, the Whistlestop Centre, and the Wildlife Discovery Room at Carsington Water.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has a ‘Living Landscape’ approach to nature conservation. By working with local businesses, landowners, communities and individuals on habitat restoration and enhancement projects throughout the county, it is hoped landscape scale conservation will create a healthier environment for wildlife, the local economy and people.