Atlantic salmon: ‘Iconic’ fish return to Derbyshire river after a century
‘Iconic’ fish have returned to Derbyshire after a 100 years and are ‘thriving’ thanks to a restoration project.
Atlantic salmon, including parr (young salmon), have been spotted in the upper Ecclesbourne, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has reported this week.
This comes after a restoration project carried out by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, The Wild Trout Trust, Chatsworth House, and Nestlé UK & Ireland.
The works saw a new channel created in the river to bypass the last remaining weir between Wirksworth and Duffield – reconnecting more than 28km of river and opening new pathways for salmon, trout and countless other species to move freely.
Commenting on the Atlantic salmon sightings, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “Following two years of restoration work, these iconic fish have returned to waters they haven’t called home for over a century.
“We’ve helped to bring life back to this special river - improving water quality, restoring habitats and creating space for nature to recover.
"Now, salmon are reaching further upstream than ever before. The presence of parr proves they’re not just returning - they’re thriving once again in Derbyshire’s waters.
“This work is part of our vision for a wilder Derbyshire, where people and wildlife thrive together.”