Trust launches appeal to reclaim more space for people and nature in the heart of Ambergate!
Derbyshire Wildlife 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.
The Trust 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 24th November.
Common Farm and its 18 fields of previously sheep-grazed grassland in Nether Heage currently provides some habitat for wildlife, but it represents a significant opportunity to create a new, richer reserve at what is a critical time for nature.
With donations from generous members and supporters, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s expert teams will take action to help nature recover and thrive at Common Farm, including plans to fill 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.
Located less than a kilometre away from the River Derwent and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s existing nature reserves at Wyver Lane and Crich Chase, rewilding Common Farm will create a mosaic of habitats including woodland expansion, scrubby thickets, and species rich open grassland.
Within just a year of being owned by the Trust, the reserve will already be filling up with new sights, sounds and scents of nature returning. In time, new scrub and grassland will provide habitats for barn owls and skylarks, and for plants such as harebell and ragged robin.
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.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Picture of man released as part of investigation into burglary in Swanwick Police have released a picture of man we would like to speak with in relation to a burglary in Swanwick. read more | |
| Opticians celebrates two decades in Belper GLASSES will be raised by the team at a Belper opticians to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the town with a special event. read more | |
| Derbyshire Makes Returns April - May 2026 With Heritage And Future Making Residents will be encouraged to get creative this spring with the return of Derbyshire County Council's fla read more | |
| Shoplifter tracked down and caught by officers after targeting shop in Alfreton Officers tracked down and arrested a thief who stole a number of items from a shop in Alfreton. read more | |
| Up to £250 funding available to start a Amber Valley Neighbourhood Watch Residents across Amber Valley are being encouraged to help make their streets and communities safer, m read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
