Biodiversity

SH Website Biodiversity Section

Biodiversity is simply defined as the variety of life on earth – nature, in other words. Nature across the globe is in trouble, we are experiencing a dramatic decline in the number of species and this presents a direct threat to the sustainability of all life on earth. 

"The truth is, every one of us, no matter who we are or where we live, can and must play a part in restoring nature". Sir David Attenborough 2023 

Sustainable Hayfield Biodiversity group was formed in late 2021 as a sub-group of Sustainable Hayfield. We are a core group of likeminded individuals who have a keen interest in the biodiversity of our environment. 

We have a broad aim of identifying, maintaining and improving the biodiversity within the Hayfield area, whilst raising awareness amongst and encouraging engagement of the local community. We believe that people need to be aware of environmental issues in order to care about them and that only if people care about the environment will they want to protect it. 

There is an enormous amount of good work being done to help biodiversity in the UK by both individuals and organisations. In our fourth year, the 12-month period from spring 2025 to spring 2026, the number of projects and activities continued to increase significantly from the previous year:

·       A long-term programme of woodland management work in Bluebell Wood, a designated Local Nature Reserve, is underway and some significant improvements have been made, helped by grant assistance from the governments Species Survival Fund and working in collaboration with the landowner Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service. Additional bird boxes, a bench, several willow sculptures and additional nature signs have been well-received by visitors.

·       With the generous assistance of the Peak District National Park Foundation, we have embarked on a number of improvements to the Old School Field in Hayfield, aimed at being beneficial for nature, whilst also increasing enjoyment of the area by the community. Several thousand spring-flowering bulbs have been planted and hedging has been planted along the woodland edge. In the orchard area, the ground below the trees has been cleared with a view to creating a wildflower area with pathway later in 2026. Further improvements are planned for 2027.

·       Our long-term project to control and if possible eradicate Himalayan Balsam (designated as an Invasive Species) from the village continued, with noticeable improvements in areas previously cleared. This allowed us to make inroads into new areas and we have a plan for 2026 to consolidate the gains made.

·       We have continued the surveying and recording of Hayfield’s wildlife, with formally reported regular surveys of butterflies, bumblebees, bats, swifts and ancient/veteran trees. We have also launched a bi-annual bird survey, along the lines of the RSPB national scheme, with the results being sent to the Derbyshire Records System. We encourage community involvement and continue to loan out our moth trap and bat detector.

·       We have developed our approach to water quality monitoring in the area’s rivers, by working with the Mersey Rivers Trust to train up a number of River Guardians as part of their citizen science scheme. Testing should commence in spring 2026.

·       Our existing wildflower areas were modified and improved with further seeding and we hope for a good display in 2026.

·       Our community tree nursery continues to produce several hundred young trees per year, for planting out locally.

·       We have continued to support large-scale tree-planting schemes in the area with volunteer helpers. We have also supported previous schemes by planting replacement trees where necessary.  

·       We have continued to develop our contacts with other local groups in High Peak, believing that shared knowledge is beneficial and that there is greater influence when groups act together. We have maintained good working relationships with councils and NGO’s.

            For 2026/7 our aim is to continue to develop and expand the above activities. We would                        welcome more people to join our group – expertise is not necessary, just enthusiasm and a little             bit of time!

            We have a facebook group ‘Sustainable Hayfield Biodiversity Group’, and also a Whatapp                     group ‘The Hayfield Green Team’, which anyone can join and contribute to.