Young salmon, known as parr, have been discovered near the site of the former Postern Mill in Turnditch, Derbyshire following the completion of a restoration project to re-meander a 400-m section of the river back to its original channel and open up more than 28km of river and tributaries for fish migration. 

The project, which began in 2023 and was completed earlier this year, saw the creation of a new channel to bypass the last remaining weir on the Ecclesbourne, located between Wirksworth and where the river joins the Derwent near Duffield.  

Restoring the river to its original course, which was diverted in the 18th century for milling, has helped to reinstate natural river processes, create important flow diversity across the new channel and provide vital habitats for fish and invertebrates. 

Following an independent survey in August 2025, 52 salmon were recorded in the Ecclesbourne, compared to only 13 two years ago. Not only have numbers increased, but the project site is now the furthest upstream that salmon have been recorded, indicating that these fish are navigating new parts of the river. 

The discovery of parr confirms that adult salmon have successfully made the upstream journey to spawn and represents strong evidence that these fish are not just returning but beginning to thrive once more in part of the river they had long been absent from. 

This remarkable milestone follows years of collaborative effort between conservation organisations, fisheries experts, local communities and landowners, to reopen migratory routes and restore habitats lost or damaged over generations. 

Led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the project was delivered in partnership with the Wild Trout Trust, Chatsworth, and Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK, aiming to improve water quality and enhance the river’s ecological health. 

The project has also opened fish passage for many other species recorded in the river, including European eel classified as ‘critically endangered’ globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as well as grayling, trout, lamprey, minnow, stone loach, and bullhead.  

Jennifer Kril, Living Rivers Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: 

“When we set out to help bring Atlantic salmon back to this part of the River Ecclesbourne through this project, we knew it could only be successful with support from the community, collaboration with expert partners, and time.  

“It’s been years in the making, but finding salmon parr here confirms we have achieved the extraordinary. That salmon are moving freely throughout the watercourse and spawning, fish passage for a range of species is now also possible, and we have a healthier, more connected ecosystem.  

“By 2030 we want to rewild 100,000 acres of land and water. By renaturalising rivers, like the Ecclesbourne, we will bring back lost species like salmon and help restore more vital wetland habitat. This project has shown it’s possible when people work together with nature.” 

Tim Jacklin, Deputy Director of the Wild Trout Trust, added: 

“At a time when Atlantic salmon and sea trout are facing an existential crisis in England* it’s fantastic to see a project like this one on the Ecclesbourne make a tangible difference. Re-opening habitats that have been cut off to migratory fish for over a century provides these species with resilience against the multiple threats they face. 

“There is so much scope to replicate this kind of project and remove barriers from our rivers to support our aquatic wildlife. The Wild Trout Trust are delighted to have worked with our project partners and the local community to achieve this win for nature.” 

Philippa Naylor, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK, said: 

“The restoration of the River Ecclesbourne is one of the initiatives we’ve been working on to help regenerate local water cycles and achieve a positive water impact in the area. 

“We are thrilled to see that the Atlantic Salmon has returned to parts of Derbyshire following the successful restoration of the river. It’s tangible proof that by working together, we can address shared water challenges in the area and deliver real benefits for the catchment and community.” 

For more information about this project, please contact enquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk.  

Find out more about our river restoration projects here

* www.wildtrout.org/wttblog/salmon-and-sea-trout-in-trouble-the-2024-data…;