As part of the Trust’s ambitious Wilder 2030 Fund, a £5 million campaign inspiring and enabling everyone to play their part in nature's recovery, an appeal was launched in September to gain support for this rare opportunity to restore and rewild land in the heart of Derbyshire.

So far, an incredible £182,450 has been raised. The Trust is now waiting on the outcome of larger funding applications which, if successful, could secure £771,000 towards the Middleton Moor project. This would bring the total raised to nearly £1 million, which would enable the Trust to purchase the land and begin to restore and rewild it. These decisions are expected to be announced between now and March 2026.

While the Trust and its supporters patiently await the outcome, another unmissable fundraising opportunity has arisen. One that could bring the next phase of the Trust’s Wilder 2030 vision for species reintroductions to life.

For the first time ever, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been selected from charities nationwide to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest collaborative fundraising campaign. 

Run by registered charity Big Give, the Challenge brings together philanthropists, foundations and businesses to double the impact of every donation the public makes. 

From 2nd–9th December (launching at 12pm on Tuesday 2^nd), for one week only, every donation made to the Trust on the Big Give website will be doubled.

Thanks to pledges from supporters and a generous lump sum from the Trust’s Big Give Champion, the Reed Foundation, £28,400 of match funding has already been secured, giving the Trust the chance to raise a total of £56,800 to launch the next phase of its Species Reintroduction Programme.

This will support the reintroduction of white stork, pine marten, and Eurasian elk to Derbyshire, restoring some of our most iconic lost species, and working hand-in-hand with communities to create wildlife-rich places across the county. 

Speaking about the support the Trust has received and the enormous opportunity ahead, Danielle Brown, Deputy Director of Community Action and Campaigns at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“Thank you to everyone who has supported our appeal to secure Middleton Moor. Your generosity has brought us incredibly close our goal of making Derbyshire a wilder place for people and nature to enjoy. We are so grateful to each and every person who has donated or shared our messages.

“We understand it’s unusual to have two appeals so close together, but we’ve never had two such brilliant opportunities to move closer to our Wilder 2030 goals and we didn’t want to lose the chance to keep building on the progress we’ve already made together.

“As we await decisions on major funding, the Big Give is a unique opportunity to keep our momentum going and take the next bold step for wildlife. For one week only, every donation will be doubled, meaning your support can have twice the impact. We’re so thankful to anyone who feels able to help again at this pivotal moment.” 

Ruth Pilbeam, Rewilding Projects Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, added:

“Nature is declining rapidly and many people feel disconnected, facing mental health struggles and climate anxiety. A wildlife-rich world is vital for our wellbeing.

“Our programme aims to reconnect people with nature by bringing back lost key species to Derbyshire’s landscapes, from the white stork and pine martens to Eurasian elk. Through community engagement, volunteer-led wildlife monitoring, and habitat creation, we will help revive thriving ecosystems that support biodiversity and help improve people’s wellbeing. This work will create lasting benefits for both people and nature for generations to come.” 

To support the Big Give and double your donation, visit the Big Give website between 2-9 December