Accessibility and facilities

Common Farm was secured by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in 2024 thanks to the generosity of our supporters, alongside philanthropic loans and community fundraising. Together, this remarkable effort enabled us to purchase 34 hectares of land in Amber Valley and begin an ambitious long-term programme of nature recovery.

This land is being managed to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), creating a rich habitat mosaic, with greater areas of woodland and scrub while maintaining extensive open grassland to support a greater diversity of wildlife and contribute to nature recovery across Derbyshire. The site has been registered with Natural England as a habitat bank, with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust committing to monitoring and managing the site over the next 30 years.

By allowing natural processes to shape the landscape, Common Farm will become part of a more connected natural landscape, where wildlife can thrive and people can experience the benefits of spending time in a space rich in nature.

Wildlife is Returning

Already, nature is beginning to respond. Curlews bred on site during the first year, while kestrels, skylarks and several species of owl have already been recorded across the landscape.

Flocks of linnets and goldfinches have also been seen feeding on site, with juveniles recorded alongside them, a positive sign that food sources are developing naturally.

Although visitors may not yet see dramatic physical changes on the ground, significant work has already been taking place behind the scenes. Baseline ecological surveys, habitat mapping and ongoing monitoring are helping us understand how the site is changing and ensuring that future management decisions are guided by evidence.

Early results are encouraging. When we first became responsible for the site, sections of hedgerow were assessed as being in poor condition. Through natural regeneration and reduced intervention, those same hedgerows are now being recorded as being in good condition.

Nature recovery does not mean leaving the site unmanaged. Our team continues to monitor habitats, undertake ecological surveys and develop long-term management plans to help wildlife flourish.

We are recording a wider variety of insects on site and, alongside an increase in seed heads, hedgerow berries and nesting habitat, these changes are attracting a growing diversity of birds, including spotted flycatchers and tree pipits.

Common Farm is a Shared Space for Nature and People

Rooted in its history as a common, Common Farm remains a place where everyone can feel welcome, connected and part of the landscape's ongoing story. As habitats are restored and natural processes shape the land, the site will continue to evolve, creating a richer environment for wildlife and new opportunities for people to experience nature close to home.

Whether visiting regularly or discovering it for the first time, everyone is welcome to explore, enjoy and share in the journey of Common Farm's recovery for generations to come.

Connected Landscapes

Common Farm also plays an important role in connecting habitats across the wider landscape. Located alongside existing woodland and close to other important wildlife sites, including Wyver Lane Nature Reserve, Common Farm has the potential to strengthen habitat connectivity and support nature recovery across Amber Valley.

As the site develops, it will become part of a more connected landscape that provides greater opportunities for wildlife to thrive.

Future Plans

Future plans include introducing grazing animals to create natural levels of ecological disturbance across the landscape. Their natural behaviours will help create bare ground, seasonal puddles and varied vegetation structure, attracting a growing diversity of species that declined when the land was managed more intensively.

We are also exploring opportunities to restore wetter grassland habitats by identifying and removing historic drainage systems, helping water move and settle more naturally across the site.

Over the coming weeks, visitors may notice increased activity within the farmyard area of the site, including temporary aviaries and other structures supporting conservation, ecological monitoring and species recovery work. These measures form part of wider efforts to support nature recovery and will be located away from public paths and visitor areas. Access to the reserve will remain unchanged, and public footpaths will continue to be open as usual.

Alongside the nature recovery work, we are exploring opportunities for the former farm buildings and hardstanding areas to provide benefits for local people. Ideas being considered include community-use spaces and activities that could help connect people with nature and conservation.

We look forward to working with local communities to explore how these spaces can best support people, nature and the long-term future of Common Farm.