The award, which was presented by The Land Trust at its annual partner awards ceremony this month, recognises excellence in delivering charitable outcomes across the Land Trust’s national network of green spaces. 

Based at The Avenue Washlands nature reserve in Chesterfield - a space managed for nature by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with The Land Trust - the group is part of the Trust’s growing Junior Rangers programme, which empowers young people aged 11–18 to take action for nature.  

Monthly sessions, led by experienced Trust staff and volunteers, cover hands-on habitat restoration tasks, campaigning, and engaging the public to inspire them to care for nature. This can include running event stalls, pond management, tree planting, wildlife surveying, first-aid, and more.

Jennifer Slade, Living Landscapes Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, says: 

“We are thrilled that this inspiring group of young people taking action for nature have been recognised by The Land Trust. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the success of our initiative that enriches both wildlife and people. It underlines the Trust’s commitment to inspiring and enabling everyone to play their part in creating a wilder Derbyshire where people and wildlife thrive together.” 

With growing interest, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is now expanding the Junior Rangers programme to new locations, including Hunloke Community Garden, Allestree Park, and Derwent Meadows, aiming to reach even more young conservationists. 

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering to help run a group, and take part in training, please get in touch at trainingenquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk.    

Find out more information about Junior Rangers

The Avenue Washlands is a thriving wetland reserve, rich in wildlife. The River Rother attracts birds such as tufted duck, wigeon, snipe and little grebe as well as skylarks, yellowhammer and nesting warblers. Water voles, great crested newts and dragonflies have also made their homes here.  

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