Nature reserve work

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserves, is leading the project, with the work set to improve the grazing management of grasslands, upgrade the footpath network and educate people about the reserves’ ecology.

Sheep and cattle grazing will keep the grasslands in check, enabling wild plants to thrive. New fencing and gates will be installed to prevent the animals from wandering into the adjoining woodland or orchid grassland when all the flowers are in bloom.

Footpaths and steps will be repaired and clearly defined to minimise trampling of wild plants by visitors to the reserves. Information panels will also be installed to raise awareness about the reserves’ geology, woodlands and wildlife.

Work is expected to be complete by March 2015.

The Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded a grant of £26,662 through the Landfill Communities Fund to the £33,000 project, which Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has matched with its own funds and volunteer labour.