The Elk Returns: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

Once native to Britain, elk played an important role in shaping wetland ecosystems for thousands of years. This pioneering project will reintroduce elk into two existing large-scale beaver enclosures in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, creating a unique opportunity to understand how two ecosystem-engineering species interact to influence wetland landscapes.

An elk drinking from a puddle in a woodland

Through detailed ecological monitoring, the programme will explore how elk, beavers and wetlands work together to restore natural processes, increase habitat diversity and shape dynamic, water-rich environments.

Alongside the reintroductions, the project will undertake ecological, feasibility and socio-economic studies for additional elk enclosure projects elsewhere in England. A national communications and engagement programme will share lessons learned and help build the evidence base needed to inform future landscape-scale elk reintroductions, providing valuable insight into the role large herbivores can play in nature recovery and wetland restoration.

Rivers 2040

A Rivers 2040 project is a place-based freshwater restoration initiative that contributes to the long-term recovery of river catchments through nature-based solutions. Projects can range from restoring floodplains and wetlands, improving water quality, reconnecting rivers to their natural processes, creating habitat for wildlife, reducing pollution, increasing access to nature, or helping communities become more resilient to flooding and drought.

Rivers 2040 aims to bring together multiple environmental, social and economic benefits at a catchment scale, demonstrating how investment in nature can support healthier rivers, thriving wildlife, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.

Land ownership

Wildlife Trust-owned: land owned by a Wildlife Trust.

Delivery approach

Direct delivery: the project delivers change through on-the-ground activity within the project area, implementing interventions that restore, enhance or manage habitats and natural processes.

Project readiness

Investment ready: the project proposition is well defined, with funding requirements, delivery plans, projected outcomes and governance arrangements in progress.

Partners and funding

Delivery of this project may be supported by a range of partners and funding mechanisms. Funding may already have been secured from multiple sources and at different stages, contributing towards the overall project value and delivery costs. Contact us to explore current funding requirements and how the project could be developed and delivered with your organisation.

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Project benefits

Bringing back nature’s engineers

Keystone species

Reintroducing keystone species brings back natural processes that improve biodiversity and climate change resilience. Keystone species like beavers and large herbivores are nature’s engineers, shaping their habitats in ways that enhance resilience and help other wildlife thrive.

This Rivers 2040 project is hosted on the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts' website on behalf of Wildlife Trusts. Project goals, fundraising totals and other information reflect the latest information available at the point of publication and may be subject to change.