Keep cash flowing into river appeal pleads trust

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is urging people to keep donating to an appeal to restore the River Derwent after raising just over £30,000 so far.

A few weeks ago, the trust launch the urgent appeal to raise £195,000 to help save this precious ecosystem and create thriving habitats for native species on the brink of extinction.

With around a month to go until the appeal closes, the trust is urging the public to keep donating so its teams can focus on the most pressing projects for rivers and nature’s recovery across the county.

As Derbyshire’s largest single ecosystem, the River Derwent is home to some incredible species, but beneath the tranquil surface of the water, the health of the river is in rapid decline.

Pollution, increased fluctuations in water levels, and large-scale felling of riverside trees are just some of the threats the waterway faces.

According to the trust, thousands of unique habitats, and the scores of Derbyshire’s native species that depend on them, are moving closer to extinction every day – white-clawed crayfish, water voles and Atlantic Salmon are all endangered.

With the money raised by members and supporters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s expert teams will plant trees to stabilise riverbanks and provide shade, and reedbeds to slow water flow, creating habitats for birds like bitterns, and helping to remove pollutants before water enters the Derwent.

Mark Heaven, head of fundraising at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The iconic River Derwent and surrounding catchment is an incredibly important ecosystem in Derbyshire, but it is under threat from degradation and pollution.

“We must act now to save its habitats and the species that depend on them before it is too late.

“We are committed to restoring the river Derwent’s natural habitats, but we cannot do this alone. We urgently need donations.

“We are so grateful for the support we have already received and hope our appeal is successful in allowing us to focus on the most pressing issues along the river.”

To make a donation visit https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/derwent-survival-plan.