AGM 2025

Full Question ‘ Given that storks prey on the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds, and that some of these birds, such as lapwings and curlews, are now red listed, why does the trust plan to introduce storks to Derbyshire?

Answer: 

Thank you for your question; we share your concern for red-listed species and are dedicated to supporting all wildlife in Derbyshire.

Our strategy over the next five years includes reintroducing three native species, such as the stork, to restore habitats and benefit both nature and people.

Reintroducing the stork, an umbrella species, will require creating suitable habitat and community support, which will also help many wetland species.

We have received sightings of storks in Derbyshire and nearby areas and want to ensure that if they return naturally, conditions allow for sustainable breeding without harming other wildlife like lapwing or curlew.

A thorough feasibility study involving key stakeholders will assess the suitability of Derbyshire wetlands for storks and evaluate potential impacts, including risks to other species, with mitigation plans in place.

Habitat creation following this research will also provide safer breeding spaces for lapwing and curlew, whose decline is tied to intensive agriculture.

We will keep members and supporters informed throughout the process and welcome feedback on any concerns.

Full question 

I apologise that this email is later than the deadline and therefore I understand that any points raised may not be discussed at the meeting.

I want however, to point out that from the comments I have read on social media with regards to both Common Farm and the current Middleton Moor appeal that there are a lot of negative comments. I understand that at Common Farm the land is being left for a period of time whilst surveys are undertaken and plans for the future are created. This makes good sense, building on the good elements that are already on site. However, I'm sensing a restlessness amongst people who feel that the site is being left to become weed ridden and unattractive and that the Trust lacks funds to progress the site. I think that it may be helpful for DWT to post more regular updates as to how the trust envisions the development of this site. It is already becoming strewn with dog poo bags and litter and this is clearly a negative impact resulting from the site being vacant.

With regards to the Middleton Moor appeal I feel you need to provide more context as to why you feel the Moor will be lost for ever and how the purchase of the site can help biodiversity and wildlife corridors.

The appeal is short on detail and to be honest unless you are local to Middleton and Wirksworth the map is almost useless.

People need to fully understand what they are donating to. They also need to know what happens to donations if the appeal total can not be met.

I donated to Common Farm but I can understand people's reticence to more donations to other schemes.

Maybe it's better to commit to fewer reserves with more success than spread funds too thinly and achieve little.

Regards

Kay Crago 

Answer:

We understand the concerns raised about Common Farm and the perception that the site is being left unmanaged but would like to reassure that that isn't the case. The land is currently undergoing ecological surveys and planning, to see what's hiding under historic management and we're also giving it a rest after intensive land management for decades.  However, we do recognise that the lack of visible activity can lead to frustration. 

With regards to communicating what we're doing more effectively, we have big plans that we need to share more widely and are working on plans to address concerns, which include making more information available.

Regarding our Middleton Moor appeal, if Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is able to purchase this land, we will manage it to enable wildlife to flourish, landscapes to rewild, and for more people to have the opportunity to connect with nature. It will connect several of our existing reserves with local protected areas for nature, creating a nature corridor of a thousand acres. If we don't purchase this land, we won't be part of any decisions that might be taken for its future use. This opens the risk that the opportunity to recover nature at the site is lost to agricultural intensification, as has been seen across the White Peak landscape in which it sits. This risk is further heightened by the current lack of clarity about funding from central Government which can support farmers to manage land more sympathetically for wildlife. The appeal total of £1.2 million includes not only the purchase price but also the costs of restoration, rewilding, and making the site accessible for people. If the full amount is not raised, all donations will be directed to our Wilder2030 Fund—a five-year fund to raise £5 million to support nature recovery across Derbyshire. This ensures that every contribution still supports our wider vision for a Wilder Derbyshire.

We are so grateful for the unwavering support we have already received from our generous members and supporters, at this time when nature really does need our help more than ever.