The reserve is situated in the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Belper and runs along the bank of the River Derwent. It is one of the Trust’s most important wetland sites and is home to many species of bird from waders such as curlew and common sandpiper passing through in spring, to birds which breed here such as lapwing. Large numbers of gulls visit the reserve during winter - they are mainly black headed gulls, but you may also see common, herring, lesser and greater black backed gulls. They are joined by wildfowl escaping the icy north. In really cold conditions, numbers of duck species such as wigeon and teal visit - they both have characteristics whistles, not quacks, best heard at sun rise and sun set, and easily heard from the track running parallel to the reserve (Wyver Lane).

Some of the habitats at the reserve now need a bit of a helping hand in order to be ideal for lapwing and wigeon, two nationally declining species on the UK BAP Amber list. Some of the grant will be used for this important improvement work as well as the help of local volunteers. A barn owl box will also be installed at the reserve as well as a bird seed store.

In addition to the reserve work, the grant will enable the Trust to commission a new orientation panel and several new species information panels signposting the way for visitors and giving them a flavour of the beautiful wildlife and special habitats they will see.

Alex Morley, Living Landscapes Officer (Derwent) said, “The new signage and reserve work has long been needed. This generous grant will enable us to make sure the habitat is perfect for the wildlife that need it most and that people can get the best out of the reserve– the renewed panels will ensure that they have a much more pleasant experience so they can spend more time enjoying this important nature reserve.” 

If you would like to come and help at Wyver Lane, please contact Alex Morley on 01773 881188.