As part of Big Give’s Earth Raise 2026, the UK’s largest environmental match funding campaign, every donation made to the Trust will be matched pound-for-pound, helping to secure a breeding population of white storks and create a powerful opportunity to engage communities with nature recovery.

Last month, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust announced its first project to reintroduce white storks at Willington Wetlands, more than 600 years after they vanished from the region due to habitat loss and hunting. It was launched thanks to generous support from the Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund. 

Now the Earth Raise 2026 appeal offers an exciting opportunity to look ahead to the growth of a secure white stork population beyond the reserve boundary and across the region, boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats and creating wild spaces where both people and wildlife can thrive. 

Working with communities across Derbyshire, the Trust’s vision is to restore the healthy, connected blue corridors these birds need to truly thrive. White storks are vital wetland ambassadors, so when they flourish, it means wetlands are healthy, connected, and better equipped to protect from floods and droughts. 

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

From 22nd to 29th April, every donation made to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust by supporters through the Big Give website will be match funded, giving the Trust the chance to raise a total of £47,200 to support the next phase of its Species Reintroduction Programme.

Katie Last, Living Landscape Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“We could not be more excited about bringing white storks back to the Midlands, a species that has been absent from these skies for over 600 years. This project isn’t just about returning an iconic bird; it’s about reigniting people’s wonder for nature and showing what’s possible when communities come together for wildlife.

“Imagine having a thriving wetland site like this right on your doorstep – being able to hear the storks chatter, watching them build their nests, and seeing the next generation of chicks take to the skies!

“Their return represents not only a critical step in species recovery, but also a powerful way to reconnect communities with nature. Through this community-led project, people will be able to play an active role in the storks’ return, helping to restore habitats and support a wilder Derbyshire.”

Danielle Brown, Director of Income, Influence & Engagement at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, added:

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have already received from our partners to get the white stork project started. Now, with the Big Give Earth Raise appeal, we have an amazing opportunity to strengthen the project even further. Every pound our amazing supporters give to our Earth Raise campaign is doubled at no extra cost to them.

“We are so thankful to anyone who feels able to help to restore habitats, create wild spaces, and make Derbyshire wilder for people and nature.”

With match funding only available for a limited period, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is urging people to act quickly. Every donation will go twice as far in restoring habitats, supporting the return of this lost species, and inspiring people to reconnect with nature. 

This Earth Raise appeal builds on the success of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, which previously rallied supporter generosity and helped launch the first phase of the Trust’s Species Reintroduction Programme to bring back lost key species to Derbyshire’s landscapes such as Elk, Pine Marten and white storks.

To support Big Give’s Earth Raise 2026, visit the Big Give website between 22-29 April. Only donations made to the Trust though the Big Give website will be doubled.

Donate Once, Support Nature Twice.