Supporters help raise £126,000 in 8 weeks to secure land for wildlife

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s target of £126,000 to secure the land has been met within just 8 weeks of the appeal going live – all thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support of members, supporters and the public.

The Trust launched their plans to secure the purchase on the 24th of September and have been inundated with pledges of support online and directly to the Trust’s office. 

The land will extend an existing nature reserve; Rose End Meadows, in Cromford, and allow the reserve to connect directly into the wider landscape. 

It means in the future a 200 acre area for wildlife will be created – the new land is a key stepping stone to link together a number of sites. The Trust’s goal is to ensure at least 33% of Derbyshire is good for wildlife by 2030 by reconnecting and restoring land. As well as connecting areas for wildlife. 

This extension is not only good for wildlife, it is great for local residents too and means better access for people via circular walks and footpaths across a wide area, and easily accessible from the High Peak Trail.

Matt Buckler, Head of Wilder Landscapes at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said; “We’re overjoyed at the fantastic response we’ve had to secure this land for wildlife. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and supported us.”

“Our vision is a future where wildlife thrives across the landscape and is not confined to reserves alone. By extending the reserve boundary we can manage a much larger area for nature. This makes the habitat much more resilient and helps species including wildflowers such as devil’s bit scabious and autumn gentian, butterflies such as wall brown and dingy skipper and birds such as skylark and linnet, both of which need reasonable areas of survive in.”

“We can't wait to turn this piece of land into an oasis for wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”