The boundaries of ecosystems rarely match human-drawn borders and their fringes will often spill over into space outside of protected areas, including into urban and industrial sites.

If the surrounding areas engage with Nature Recovery around the Peak District, the enhanced nature will begin to deliver benefits and ecosystem services, overflowing beyond the boundary.

The rivers that flow through many of the towns and cities outside the boundary have their sources in the Peak District. Better functioning upland habitats can deliver cleaner water and a reduced flood risk to residents further downstream. Other benefits include carbon offsetting in woodland habitats and peatlands, ameliorating the effects of climate change and filtering polluted urban air. The Peak District also serves millions of people (opens new window) who want to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors in green environments.

Ecosystem services and natural capital contribute trillions (opens new window) to the global economy each year. Without them, humanity would not be able to survive (opens new window). Stronger natural environments, integrated around urban areas, will deliver better ecosystem services.

For nature

• Creating more natural environments beyond the boundary will improve the Peak District`s connectivity to other protected landscapes.
• Appreciating the true value of ecosystem services and natural capital can increase investments into Nature Recovery and protect more important habitats.
• Efforts to increase the effect and range of ecosystem services will create more natural habitats, especially closer to urban areas.

What else can benefits flowing beyond the boundary deliver?

• Provides vital ecosystem services to the millions of people who live near the Peak District, including benefits to their health and wellbeing.
• Creates more sustainable business opportunities in and around the park.
• An almost endless list of benefits including pollination, flood defence, waste degradation, food production, breathable air etc (opens new window).
• Expanding the natural habitat beyond the boundary and closer to urban areas provides access to beautiful spaces to more people.

In practice

• Use education, including the new Natural History GCSE, as a way of generating interest in the Peak District. Work with local schools to foster interests from a young age.
• Engage with businesses, investors and government bodies to ensure that they understand the true value of ecosystem services and natural capital.
• Ensure that use of ecosystem services is done in a sustainable way so nature can continue to provide benefits for future generations.
• Share best practice and learning between our rural and urban environments to extend the benefit of nature recovery practices.
• Work closely with neighbouring authorities to create seamless expansions of natural environments.