Middleton Moor £1.2 Million Appeal
Why Middleton Moor?
At 135 acres (the equivalent of around 76 football pitches), the land is perfectly positioned to connect several of our surrounding nature reserves, creating a nature corridor of a thousand acres.
If we secure this land, wildlife will flourish, landscapes can rewild, and more people will have the opportunity to connect with nature.
What are your plans with the land?
Right now, the land is mostly species-poor modified grassland. But our ambitious nature-led approach will transform it into something much wilder.
We’ll be guided by nature in everything we do, and part of your donation will fund vital surveys to track how we’re doing, and shape what we need to do next. Early work will focus on restoring populations of the rare burnt tip orchid, and creating a mosaic of species-rich grassland, scrub, and woodland.
What wildlife do you expect to see?
Middleton Moor is the only spot in Derbyshire where the endangered burnt tip orchid survives. Without our protection, this extraordinary wildflower - and the wildlife community that depends on it - faces an uncertain future.
By saving Middleton Moor, wildlife can find its way home, such as:
The skylark - a small brown bird known for its streaked plumage and distinctive hovering song flights. Found in open farmland and grasslands, it sings high above the fields with a rich, continuous song that can last for minutes.
The brown argus - a small Peak District butterfly with chocolate-brown wings edged with orange spots and a white fringe. It thrives in sunny grasslands, meadows and scrubby habitats where its caterpillars feed mainly on common rock-rose and geraniums.
The lapwing - a striking wading bird with a glossy green back, white underparts, and a distinctive black crest. Often seen in open farmland and wetlands, it is known for its tumbling flight displays and sharp “peewit” call.
Where is Middleton Moor?
If successful do you intend to extend public access?
Yes, we will restore and rewild it, creating habitats for wildlife, and make it accessible for people to enjoy.
If you don't raise enough, what happens to the funds?
All funds will be used towards our Wilder2030 fund, a five-year plan to raise £5 million to support the Trust’s vision for a Wilder Derbyshire by 2030.
Can you explain the fund breakdown?
We’re aiming to raise close to £1.2 million so we can not only secure the land, but also restore and rewild it.
The land costs £856k
The remaining balance will be used to create habitats for wildlife, and make it accessible for people to enjoy.