Atlantic salmon spawn in the upper River Ecclesbourne for the first time in 100 years

In an extraordinary development for a beautiful Derbyshire river, Atlantic salmon have made a triumphant return to the upper reaches of the River Ecclesbourne for the first time in over a century. Thanks to an ambitious conservation project, this iconic fish is just one of many species to benefit from 400 metres of restored habitat and over 28km of improved access for wildlife migration.

In 2019, we discovered through an Advisory Visit that the river’s potential as fish spawning habitat was being undermined by manmade barriers, including the Snake Lane weir that we went on to remove in 2022. This latest project — which saw us partner with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the Chatsworth Estate, and Nestlé between 2023 and 2025 — created a new channel to bypass the last remaining weir on the Ecclesbourne. The original stretch of river, which is located near Wirksworth and Duffield, had been diverted for milling in the 18^th century, which interrupted its natural processes and damaged the health of the ecosystem.

The project’s results speak for themselves: a 2023 fish survey found just 13 salmon in the river, but a 2025 survey turned up 52. Now, salmon parr (their young) have been recorded near the site of the former Postern Mill in Turnditch — the furthest upstream so far. This exciting discovery indicates that adult salmon are successfully spawning in this part of the river. Fellow fish species like brown trout, grayling, lamprey, minnows, and bullheads — as well as the invertebrates upon which they feed — will also be supported by the habitat enhancements.

Tim Jacklin, our lead for this fantastic project, is delighted with the results. ​“At a time when Atlantic salmon and sea trout are facing an existential crisis in England, it’s fantastic to see a project like this one on the Ecclesbourne make a tangible difference. Re-opening habitats that have been cut off to migratory fish for over a century provides these species with resilience against the multiple threats they face. There is so much scope to replicate this kind of project and remove barriers from our rivers to support our aquatic wildlife. We are delighted to have worked with our project partners and the local community to achieve this win for nature.”

Jennifer Kril, Living Rivers Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, is similarly delighted. ​“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”, she said.

“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.”