The ‘Transforming the Trent Valley’ project is a partnership of 18 organisations working together to restore and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the Trent Valley, with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust - the county’s largest nature conservation charity - at the helm.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the TTTV scheme aims to reconnect people with the rivers and floodplains of the area, increase their appreciation for the local heritage, and involve them in decision-making about the future use of the landscape.

Projects include making the landscape more accessible - footpaths and cycling paths for instance, encouraging communities to learn more about the cultural and natural heritage of the Trent Valley and improving connectivity in the landscape for wildlife. That will be achieved by re-naturalising stretches of the river which have been engineered and creating new habitats for wildlife to thrive.

The partnership programme was successful in 2016 for a first stage Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant to deliver a wide range of projects aimed at reconnecting communities to the Trent Valley area.

The second stage of the project can now begin after an application to HLF for a grant of £2.7million was successful. The total value of the project is £4.7million.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of HLF said: “The landscape of the Trent Valley is home to significant archaeological and industrial heritage and wetland habitats, but what was once integral to the working lives of local communities is now hidden from view and difficult to access. We’re delighted that funding from the National Lottery will rejuvenate this historic landscape and will once again see people get up close and personal with the natural heritage that surrounds them.”

Julian Woolford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our vision for TTTV is to create wildlife-rich waterways and wetlands at the heart of a resilient, accessible, beautiful and culturally rich landscape and in turn a brighter future for people, business and wildlife in the Trent Valley.”

“We’re delighted the next stage of the bid has been successful, and the funding will allow us to focus on one of Staffordshire and Derbyshire’s most treasured landscapes.”

“By working with the communities that live, work and play along the River Trent, we hope to build a sustainable landscape that is enjoyed by all and protected for the future.”