About the reserve

Middleton Moor is a vibrant 135-acre reserve which will now be restored and rewilded for nature to flourish and local communities to enjoy.

Historically used as open pasture and hay meadow, this expansive site is a vital piece of the puzzle for nature’s recovery in Derbyshire. Situated just a short distance from the High Peak Trail, Middleton Moor acts as a crucial strategic link, connecting surrounding wild spaces to create a continuous wildlife corridor spanning over 1,000 acres.

What to Look Out For

Diverse habitats: Explore flower-rich calcareous grasslands, scrubland, and a small pond that provides an essential home for amphibians.

Local wildlife: The landscape-scale restoration project will support skylarks, curlews, bullfinches, tawny owls, and a variety of bees, moths, and butterflies (including the green hairstreak).

History and culture: The site is also home to two Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Our Vision

Everyone should be able to connect with nature in their neighbourhood and live within 15 minutes of a thriving, nature-rich space. Middleton Moor is a major milestone in delivering our vision of a wilder Derbyshire where wildlife and people thrive together.

Thank You to All Who Helped Us Secure the Land

We secured Middleton Moor in 2026 thanks to an incredible community effort and vital grant funding!

The community appeal: In late 2025, more than 2,300 passionate supporters came together to raise an astonishing £182,000 in public donations.

Biffa Award funding: A major grant of over £825,000 from Biffa Award (as part of the Government's Landfill Communities Fund) officially secured the land and is funding our ambitious rewilding and habitat reconnection work.