Recent Events

During the 1990’s various like-minded villagers met to discuss and consider the prospect of restoring Calver Weir, which is privately owned.

In 2002, Calver Marshes became the focus of the Vision for Wildlife Project a partnership between the Peak District National Park Authority and Natural England. This project has been successful in restoring and enhancing the biodiversity of the area, raising local peoples awareness and increasing local involvement through a range of conservation initiatives, educational talks and accompanied walks.

In 2004 CWRP was registered as a company and subsequently converted to a charitable trust. The board consists of trustees and a volunteer management board, which administers its planning, day to day activities, funding, cash flow and accounting for the project.

Also in 2004, Listed Building Consents were obtained; CWRP entered into a five year option agreement with the owner to purchase the Weir for £1 including sufficient rights to provide access in perpetuity.

The option agreement has recently been extended until 2011 and will be exercised only when funding for the total cost of restoration is irrevocably in place.

In September 2004 two serious breaches were successfully repaired, financed by donations of £40,000 from local residents and organisations.

In 2007 CWRP was granted a Project Grant for £50,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to finance the preparation of an Application for a Heritage Grant to restore the Weir, conserve associated wetlands, wildlife and species and to develop access, information, outreach and interpretation initiatives in the project area.

In December 2007, CWRP submitted an Application for £1.649 million to the HLF.

In March 2008 the HLF announced that £1.244 million had been earmarked, to CWRP, under a stage 1 pass. The HLF Application included volunteer labour and non-cash contributions of £170,000, put in place by CWRP leaving the balance, so called match funding, to be raised donations and events.

A further £35,400 was awarded by the HLF to CWRP to finance further development work on the project.