Trust leaps for joy as Atlantic salmon thrive in Derbyshire river

Atlantic salmon have spawned in the upper reaches of a Derbyshire river for the first time in 100 years thanks to a project led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Young salmon, known as parr, have been discovered in the River Ecclesbourne, near the site of the former Postern Mill, in Turnditch, following the completion of a restoration project to re-meander a 400-metre section of the river back to its original channel and open up more than 28km of river and tributaries for fish migration.

The project, which began in 2023 and was completed earlier this year, saw the creation of a new channel to bypass the last remaining weir on the Ecclesbourne, located between Wirksworth and where the river joins the Derwent near Duffield.

Restoring the river to its original course, which was diverted in the 18th century for milling, has helped to reinstate natural river processes, create important flow diversity across the new channel and provide vital habitats for fish and invertebrates.

Following an independent survey in August 2025, 52 salmon were recorded in the Ecclesbourne, compared to only 13 two years ago.

Not only have numbers increased, but the project site is now the furthest upstream that salmon have been recorded, indicating that these fish are navigating new parts of the river.

The discovery of parr confirms that adult salmon have successfully made the upstream journey to spawn and represents strong evidence that these fish are not just returning but beginning to thrive once more in part of the river they had long been absent from.

This milestone follows years of collaborative effort between conservation organisations, fisheries experts, local communities and landowners, to reopen migratory routes and restore habitats lost or damaged over generations.

Jennifer Kril, living rivers officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “When we set out to help bring Atlantic salmon back to this part of the River Ecclesbourne through this project, we knew it could only be successful with support from the community, collaboration with expert partners, and time.

“It’s been years in the making, but finding salmon parr here confirms we have achieved the extraordinary.

“That salmon are moving freely throughout the watercourse and spawning, fish passage for a range of species is now also possible, and we have a healthier, more connected ecosystem.

“By 2030 we want to rewild 100,000 acres of land and water. By renaturalising rivers, like the Ecclesbourne, we will bring back lost species like salmon and help restore more vital wetland habitat.

“This project has shown it’s possible when people work together with nature.”