Conservation of the Environment

Over the years, higher water levels, created by Calver Weir has created a landscape and wetland habitats collectively knows as Calver Marshes, which are enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.

Wet Woodlands and the Fens are priority national and local Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. The wet woodland has species such as alder and willow with a ground flora including yellow loosestrife and wood clubrush, which are Derbyshire rarities. The Fens either side of Stoke Brook are dominated by meadowsweet with a number of sedges and orchids. They are also breeding sites for harvest mice, one of only two locations in the Peak District National Park.

Water voles, a protected species have a healthy population around Froggatt riverbanks, where they inhabit water burrows.

Noteworthy breeding species of birds and ducks which have been seen along the river include dipper, kingfisher, grey wagtail, gooseander, pochard, heron, tufted duck, grebe, wrens and the more common mallard, coot and moorhen.

Fish have gradually returned to the River and there are now good stocks of brown trout, some bullhead and brook lamprey.

Plants and trees flourish in the area; there are stichwort, red and white clover, ribwort plantain, lesser burdock, meadowsweet, greater plantain, meadow buttercup, forget me not, bluebell, fox glove, goosegrass (sticky willie), goundsel, red campion, goldenrod, ox-eye, daisy, stinging nettle, curled dock, himalayan balsam, spearthistle, creeping thistle, ragwort, pineapple weed, yellow flag iris, blackberry, cuckoo flower, common mouse ear, shepherds purse, selfheal, pink purslane, yarrow, red deadnettle, hawkweed, bulrush, ramsons, cow parsley, germander speedwell, smooth hawksbeard, rosebay and willowherb.

Conservation Management Plans have been evolved to fell trees in the water gardens and enhance ponds, control and eradicate himalayan balsam, remove scrub and control bracken, to erect bird and bat boxes and to provide water vole protection and management programme to control mink.

Access and Audience Plans have been developed to improve footpaths and entry points, provide additional interpretation panels and signage, introduce benches, organise walks, school projects and tailored events.

The Conservation Management, Access and Audience and Training Plans will cost £313,000 and be managed and co-ordinated by a Project Officer.