Jubilation as lottery grant moves Calver Weir restoration a step closer

The restoration of Hope Valley’s historic Calver Weir and its surrounding important ecological wetland area has taken a major step forward, thanks to a £49,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) it was announced today.

Members of the Calver Weir Restoration Project (CWRP) are celebrating news of the grant which will be spent on in-depth planning work to be prepared in conjunction with architects, engineers, archaeologists, ecologists, landscape architects, and access, tourism and transport experts. A project officer will also be recruited.

The detailed information and plans will be used to prepare a bid to fund the complete restoration of the Calver Weir at a total cost of almost £1m.

The Grade Two listed weir on the River Derwent was built in 1778 to provide water to power cotton spinning machinery at Calver Mill under licence from Richard Arkwright.

In 2004 CWRP raised almost £40,000 to carry out urgent repairs to the weir which was in a dangerous and perilous state.
Mike Hennessy, chairman of CWRP, said: "This HLF award is great news and thanks are due to everyone involved. The whole project can now be developed based on expert advice on the best way forward to save-guard this wonderful site. It’s essential the Calver Weir is saved – not only is it an extremely important part of our industrial heritage, it has also created a nationally significant wetland habitat supporting a huge range of birds and wildlife including the dipper, kingfisher, grey wagtail, goosander and water voles.”

He added, “The weir needs major work and if it is not carried out soon the structure will collapse, causing the river level to drop by three metres. A change in the river levels caused by a breach to the weir would have a dramatic affect on the ecological balance of the habitats on this part of the Derwent. “
The area is designated has priority national and local Biodiversity Action Plan habitats.
HLF regional manager Emma Sale said, ”The weir is a fine example of industrial history and the final project will help ensure it is conserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. It has also shaped the surrounding water and landscape, creating a haven for wildlife, birds and plants.”