This new thriving landscape will create a diverse range of species-rich habitats and deliver a range of critical ecosystem services, helping to alleviate the risks of flooding and soak up the carbon that is driving our climate crisis. 

About the Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley derives its name from the Brittonic ‘Deruentiū’, meaning forest of oak trees. Where once a dense forest of oak trees stood, abundant with wildlife, the Derwent Valley now consists largely of urban areas and grassland, with around 7% woodland cover. Not only have we lost significant areas of woodlands, but with them also many species, including plants, insects and mammals. Those that have not been lost have experienced significant declines. Coupled with the climate crisis causing more heavy rainfall, the Derwent River is now exceptionally prone to flooding.

The Derwent Connections Project will kickstart woodland creation across the Derwent River catchment and see the development of natural flood management projects, whilst making more space for nature and creating essential green corridors to support a wealth of wildlife and species migration.   

Making space for nature

By March 2023, the Derwent Connections Project hopes to have permissions in place to create 250 hectares of woodland, allowing nature to thrive. Many types of woodland are appropriate in the Derwent valley, from clough woodland, shelterbelt woodlands, productive woodland, ravine woodlands and riparian woodlands to name a few. Together these woodlands help to create a rich mosaic of habitats that will increase woodland area coverage, provide vital links for species to move freely and allow natural ecosystem functioning to occur.

There are several different types of woodland that can be found around Derbyshire:

Clough woodland: These are woodlands found in areas of steep-sided slopes on the edge of an open moorland. Examples of these can be found at the Wildlife Trust Lightwood Reserve around Flint Clough. These woodlands are often characterised by native tree species such as oak, aspen, rowan and birch and provide an important habitat for declining species, including pine marten and birds such as spotted flycatcher and wood warbler.

Shelterbelt woodlands: These act as windbreaks on arable land helping to protect crops, orchards and livestock, as well as reducing soil erosion. As shelterbelts are established as a wind buffer, they require a dense coverage so species like wild cherry, downy birch and hawthorn are most suited to this type of woodland. These shelterbelt margins are often managed differently from the rest of the field and can contain ‘micro-habitats’. These habitats act as corridors for wildlife such as bats, invertebrates, including key pollinators, and small mammals.

Ravine woodlands: Much like clough woodlands, ravine woodlands are found on steep dalesides. These woodlands are often home to some rare species including small leaved lime, and yew and contain a rich diversity of bird species such as pied flycatchers and redstarts. An example of this type of woodland can be found in White Peak such as Tissington Spires in Dovedale.

Riparian woodlands: These are found on the banks of natural bodies of water and provide vital ecosystem services like flood prevention and maintaining the health of our rivers. The physical presence of trees such as alder and their root system, help stabilise sediment and slow the flow of water into the river system. These woodlands also act as another vital part of the woodland corridor allowing species such as bats to move along the river systems. The beaver is also a key species that utilise riparian woodlands, a species that has been extinct in Derbyshire since the 16th century. By restoring these habitats, we pave the way for more reintroduction programmes, as seen at Willington wetlands, a flagship reserve at the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Productive woodlands: These tend to be large woodlands and are sustainably managed for timber production and to increase woodland connectivity throughout the county and wider country. As is the case with all woodlands, productive woodlands are beneficial for helping to reduce flooding and support many species. Key pollinator species benefit from these woodlands for safe refuge during adverse weather and goshawk can thrive here.  Otter will also use the woodlands if in proximity to water bodies.

What's next for the Derwent Connections Project?

As the Derwent Connections Project moves into its second tree planting season, many project sites will be coming to life with tree planting and community support. Nature Recovery Advisors from the Trust will continue to work with local landowners and community groups, developing funding applications, establishing site plans and sourcing trees for the next leg of the project. The final vision for the Derwent Connections project is that by 2050 there will be an additional 30,000 hectares of woodland habitat across the catchment - this is equivalent to 74,100 football pitches!

During the course of the Derwent Connections Project, the ambition is to create a legacy which enables communities from across the breadth of the Derwent Valley to continue to act for wildlife and the environment. It hopes to further establish a landscape rich in its diversity of species and habitats, and capable of withstanding the untold impacts of the climate crisis.