Mountain Adventure Holidays
Today we're chatting with Nicole at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust about their efforts to rejuvenate nature across the county. From ambitious rewilding projects to involving local communities, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is passionate about creating a vibrant, thriving environment for both wildlife and people.
At Tracks and Trails, we share that same love for wild spaces. Our Peak District Trail Running Weekend is a great way to explore the area responsibly, connect with nature, and support local landscapes. You can find out more about it here.
Let’s jump straight into the interview!
N: Of course! Our mission is pretty straightforward: a Wilder Derbyshire, where wildlife and people thrive side by side. We aim to spark bold actions and encourage everyone to get involved. By 2030, we plan to rewild 100,000 acres of land and water, reintroduce species such as pine martens, black grouse, and white storks, empower communities to lead nature recovery locally, and foster a greener, fairer economy where wildlife and climate are central.
N: Right now, we’re particularly excited about two key projects:
The Trent Valley Rewilding Project, where we use grazing animals to naturally transform the environment.
Wild Peak, which aims to establish a wild, inclusive National Park within Derbyshire.
Both are fantastic examples of how nature can flourish with a bit of space and support.
N: Corporate support is essential for us. It helps fund our on-the-ground projects, empowers local communities to champion their own conservation efforts, builds vital networks for change, and amplifies our voice for nature. Partnerships like yours are truly pivotal in achieving a Wilder Derbyshire.
N: Absolutely! The Aqueduct Cottage restoration project is a perfect example. Corporate donations, materials, and skilled volunteer efforts have helped rejuvenate this historic site, turning it into a beautiful spot where nature and community heritage come together.
N: Our main efforts at the moment include species reintroductions, bringing back animals like pine martens, black grouse, and white storks. We're also prioritising key landscape recovery projects, such as:
Wilder Trent: enhancing a vast wetland landscape.
Wild Derwent Forest: connecting existing national forests.
Wild Peak: creating a more inclusive and wild National Park.
Wilder Derby: aiming to become the greenest city in the UK.
These initiatives provide essential habitats and wildlife corridors across Derbyshire.
N: Tree planting has numerous long-term benefits. Trees capture carbon, mitigate flooding, provide new habitats for various wildlife species, and connect existing woodlands, creating vital wildlife corridors. Additionally, trees enhance community spaces, improving wellbeing and reconnecting people with nature.
N: Your generous donation allows us to buy diverse native deciduous trees, planting them strategically to create thriving habitats, such as wet woodlands, hedgerows, or mixed native forests. This directly contributes to our Derwent Living Forest target of creating 30,000 hectares of new wooded habitat by 2050, helping to expand natural spaces for wildlife.
N: There are plenty of ways to get involved:
Partner with us as a business (email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Become a member (individual, joint, or family memberships available).
Fundraise through challenges like runs, walks, bake sales, or open gardens.
Participate in our weekly lottery.
Take direct action for nature conservation.
Raise awareness by sharing our work.
N: Definitely! All our upcoming events and volunteering opportunities are regularly updated on our website. Just check out our Events and Volunteer sections to find something exciting to get involved in!
N: The ambition and collaborative spirit embodied in our Wilder 2030 Strategy give us genuine hope. Plans to rewild significant areas, reintroduce species, empower communities, and promote a greener economy demonstrate the tangible impact achievable through collective action and partnership.
Huge thanks to the dedicated team at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for sharing their inspiring journey with us today. If you're keen to get involved or learn more about making a positive environmental impact, visit their website. Together, we can ensure a thriving, wilder Derbyshire!
Keep up to date with Tracks and Trails through our newsletter, click here to sign up. For more information about our adventure holidays, either bespoke or Scheduled Departures, speak to one of our expert team by calling +44 1663 434468 or email info@tracks-and-trails.
In winter, we offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while in summer we would encourage you to join us for hiking, and trail running.
