Foreword
The fourth year of the 2018-23 Peak District National Park Management Plan has been one of challenges and opportunity. With the worst of the pandemic now behind us but its presence casting a continued shadow over events I must state the pride I feel in being associated with the resilience and fortitude shown by so many. The need for a green recovery has never been more pressing and I am glad to say that the Peak District National Park has played its part.
The last two years has demonstrated the vital benefit people get from protected landscapes and the Peak District National Park has been at the forefront of this with its unique location providing a beautiful landscape rich in cultural heritage on the door step of millions. At times like these it is essential to stay ‘on the front foot’ and guide the development of public engagement, to ensure people continue to get the most from their time here. Therefore I am delighted to see the contribution we are making with the welcome return of the Hope Valley Explorer alongside plans to expand sustainable transport and continued promotion of the #PeakDistrictProud campaign now in multiple languages.
Our work to protect the landscape continues and despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the Moors for the Future Partnership has had one of its most successful delivery years, investing over £5m in a single season which blocked erosion in over 20,000 gullies and planted 12 square kilometres of new sphagnum moss. Sustainable farming is an essential element of the National Park and through the Government’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Scheme, we have supported 72 projects which deliver better outcomes for the climate, nature, people and the place.
The following pages provide more detail on our progress in 2021/22 delivering the Peak District National Park Management Plan 2018-23. Please feel proud of what we have achieved so far and consider how you may continue to support delivering these intentions in the future.
Yours sincerely
Dianne Jeffrey
Independent Chair of the Peak District National Park Management Plan Advisory Group
Photo credit: Chris Gilbert