Trust launches appeal to reclaim more space for nature

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has launched an appeal to reclaim more space for people and nature in the heart of Ambergate.

The trust has secured the purchase of more than 80 acres of retired farmland and launched an appeal to ensure the empty fields can once again be claimed by nature.

It has already secured £1 million towards the purchase and is now calling on the public to help raise £300,000 towards the completion of the sale and rewilding projects across Derbyshire before 24 November.

Common Farm and its 18 fields of previously sheep-grazed grassland in Nether Heage currently provides some habitat for wildlife.

But according to the trust, it represents a significant opportunity to create a new, richer reserve.

Its plans include filling in drainage ditches to help re-wet the land and create pools and bogs that will support the return of birds on the red list of threatened species such as curlew and lapwing.

Common Farm is located less than a kilometre away from the River Derwent and the trust’s existing nature reserves at Wyver Lane and Crich Chase.

Rrewilding Common Farm would create a mosaic of habitats, including woodland expansion, scrubby thickets, and species rich open grassland.

Matt Buckler, director of natural solutions at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our wider vision is to ensure at least 30% of Derbyshire’s land and water is connected and protected for nature’s recovery by 2030.

“Making more space for nature at Common Farm will give wildlife the chance to recover here, and once regenerated it will store more carbon, help store more water to reduce local flooding and help trap nutrients that leech into our river systems.

“Through the natural regeneration of this land, we will see the return of key species that have previously been lost, vegetation will blossom through the reduction of grazing pressure, and there will be a burst in diversity of wildflowers, attracting a wider range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

“New thickets of scrub will provide shelter for nesting bird species and nectar sources for our pollinators, whilst offering refuge for small mammal populations.

“The purchase is not only good news for wildlife, its great news for local residents and visitors to the area too.

“The site includes a cluster of buildings that offer the potential to help more people access wildlife and understand the benefits of rewilding.

“We are so grateful for the support we have already received and hope our appeal is successful in allowing us to create an oasis for wildlife, which future generations can come and enjoy.”

To find out more about the appeal and to make a donation visit https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/common-farm.