Current condition, vulnerability and adaptive capacity of features

Building materials

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Building materials in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, but a high adaptive capacity.

It is hard to quantify the current condition; however building materials are susceptible to changes in weather and fluctuations in temperature. Moves to upgrade the thermal efficiency of buildings could potentially have an impact on ventilation. This may make them more susceptible to rot and insect infestation as well as changing the character of the roof scape. Skills do exist to enable buildings to be adapted and maintained for modern living, and this can be somewhat controlled through the planning systems in place. It should be possible for the PDNP to retain its vernacular and distinctive architecture despite climate change.

Farmsteads

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Farmsteads in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables but a positive current condition, and a high adaptive capacity.

Although there are farmsteads which are disused, derelict or have been changed in use, the position within the PDNP is better than the status nationally. Farmsteads are sensitive to changes in agriculture, and although some funding is available for their conservation it is very limited and their future is uncertain.

Fieldbarns and outfarms

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Field barns and outfarms in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to a high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables and a variable condition, but with a high adaptive capacity.

However, changes to farming practices have led to these buildings being subject to high rate of abandonment and loss. Changes to the economics of farming and farming practices due to climate change may drive modernisation of some historical farm buildings, altering the traditional character. Greater extremes of temperature may also be damaging to buildings exposed to the elements. Despite this the position in the PDNP is much better than the picture nationally assisted by the diverse location and layouts.

Country houses

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Country houses and associated features in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, but a generally well managed current condition and a high adaptive capacity.

An increase in extreme climates, pests and diseases may pose a threat to species which define the character of the gardens at these homes and the historical archives contained within them. Changes to landscape may affect people’s desire to visit, decreasing the amount of resources available to protect the building and grounds from further harmful effects brought on by changes to climate. If they are well managed and resourced, country houses and their parkland settings have a high adaptive capacity.

Listed buildings

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Listed buildings in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, coupled with a reasonable overall current condition, and a high adaptive capacity.

Only one property in the PDNP is currently on the national Heritage at Risk register that provides information on those under threat, however it only includes Grade I and II* buildings. The PDNPA holds its own list of buildings at risk, which includes 160 listed buildings (156 Grade II and 4 Grade II*). Climate change may increase damage to these buildings from extreme weather events such as flooding and storm damage. Greater fluctuations in temperature may also damage building structure as well as foundations. The designation of listed building status does provide some protection but the very nature of the properties means that changing them to make them more thermally efficient or modifying their rainwater goods, for example, may be detrimental to what makes them special.

The buildings that are likely to be most vulnerable are those which are uninhabited, or those in private ownership that have limited resources available.

Villages associated with medieval strip fields

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Villages associated with medieval strip fields in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to moderate sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, a relatively stable current condition, and a moderate adaptive capacity.

To date the dominance of pasture and lower intensity livestock farming in the PDNP has been a factor in the preservation of this feature. Strip fields are vulnerable to farming intensification in response to climate change, especially a change from pasture to arable land use.

Local events

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Local events in the PDNP have been rated ‘moderate’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, with a relatively stable current condition, and with a high adaptive capacity.

Changes in the climate could have a significant impact on local events particularly those that rely on the weather or are tied to a specific date. The majority are run by volunteers and depend upon funds raised one year to finance the following year’s event. A series of poor years could mean the event is lost entirely.

In recent years a small number of events have been lost, however local events do have a high adaptive capacity as demonstrated by the Bakewell Show which changed its date and format in 2019 due to wet weather.

Transport links into the PDNP

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Transport links into the PDNP have been rated ‘low’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to moderate sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, coupled with a reasonable current condition, and high adaptive capacity.

Transport links in the PDNP are generally in good condition, but subject to some pressures including weather. Major routes are already susceptible to adverse weather with snowfall often leading to the closure of the high level routes. Increases in extreme weather conditions are therefore a key potential impact of climate change on the transport infrastructure.

However, research is now being carried out by organisations responsible for transport infrastructure to look at what measures can be undertaken to increase resilience to the potential impacts of climate change.

Estate lands and designed landscapes

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Estate lands and designed landscapes in the PDNP have been rated ‘high’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, a variable current condition, and moderate adaptive capacity.

Many estate lands are well managed and have ongoing maintenance and development plans. The current condition for those held in private ownership is more difficult to determine. Extreme events including heavy rainfall and flooding, but particularly drought, could have a significant impact on estate lands and designed landscapes. There is capacity for adaptation as most have a management plan or similar system in place. Some estates are also given protection through their registered status.

Boundaries and patterns of enclosure

Vulnerability rating
Potential impact rating
Adaptive capacity rating

Boundaries and patterns of enclosure have been rated ‘high’ on our vulnerability scale. This score is due to high sensitivity and exposure to climate change variables, coupled with an often poor general condition, and a moderate adaptive capacity.

It is difficult to ascertain the overall current condition of dry stone walls as it is varied. However the condition of hedgerows is viewed as poor. Extreme weather is one of the key potential impacts increasing deterioration and maintenance costs leading to a greater risk of abandonment. Another is changes to land use, which may mean boundaries are removed to enlarge fields. Changing farming practices such as an increase in ploughing may affect earthwork features. Walls in poor condition are also often used as a source of stone to repair other walls.

There is limited funding available to improve these features and there is currently a shortage in terms of the number of people with the necessary dry stone walling skills needed for management and maintenance. Even the repair and rebuilding of walls, whilst retaining the landscape appearance, can remove or alter historic information that is very valuable (such as the physical relationships between features, or distinctive construction styles). Planting could improve hedgerows condition by filling in gaps and diversifying species. If not designated, prehistoric field systems are vulnerable to landscape change.