‘Use anniversary to protect our Peak for next 70 years’
IN the week the Peak District celebrates its 70th Anniversary, wildlife trusts in Derbyshire, Cheshire, Sheffield, Rotherham and Staffordshire, are calling on the Government and Peak District National Park Authority to commit to better protection for nature and wildlife.
The national park is renowned for its beauty and 13 million people visit every year. It should be teeming with wildlife, abundant with wild animals and plants, but tragically this is not the case. Biodiversity is in decline, and this is the case for almost all national parks in the UK
In 2019 the Government-commissioned Glover Review concluded England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are uniquely placed to drive nature’s recovery, deliver nature-based solutions to the climate crisis and connect people with nature. It also found these protected landscapes are falling a long way short of their potential.
Successive surveys have highlighted the public demand for National Parks to play these roles and the Review proposed the changes needed to achieve this.
Almost 18 months later, the government has yet to respond. In the meantime, nature has been offering hope and consolation to millions of us during the pandemic, while evidence shows wildlife is continuing to decline and access to nature is unequal.
Action is needed now to tackle the main forces driving wildlife decline, including the burning of peatlands, intensive agriculture, water and air pollution, drainage, the illegal killing of protected wildlife, inappropriate forestry cover and lack of native woodland.
Ten important changes to transform protected landscapes for the good of nature, climate and people
A MAJOR fundraising campaign has been launched to celebrate 70 years of the Peak District National Park.
The foundation hoped to raise £70,000 to mark seven decades since the UK got its first national park, but it almost doubled its target hitting £130,000.
One of the aims of the campaign is to ensure the national park is accessible for all in the future with access work such as Miles Without Stiles. Other priorities include habitat and conservation and preparing for a future climate.
Jen Lowthrop, foundation chair, were sent to the DEFRA Secretary of State last month which the four trusts are now calling on the Government and the Park Authority to act on.
These included delivery of naturebased solutions to climate change, connecting more people from all parts of society to nature, setting and reporting on clear nature recovery targets and giving protected landscapes the resources they need to deliver for nature, climate and people.
Jo Smith, CEO of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which manages several important sites across the park, said: said: “We’re thrilled with the amazing support we’ve received throughout our #70kfor70 campaign.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us reach our first major fundraising target and more. The Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday is a time to reflect and there’s lots to celebrate.
“Without the protections of a National Park designation, the Peak District would look very different but there is still much more to do.
“Our National Park is facing massive challenges, but with your help we can help combat climate
“We are facing a nature emergency around half of UK wildlife has decreased since 1970, with one in seven species now at risk of extinction. There is a need for better national oversight and support for our protected landscapes. As we head towards COP26 (the UN Climate Change Conference) in the UK in November, now is the perfect time for the Government and the National Park Authorities to step up and commit to ensuring our National Parks are better for wildlife.”
The Trusts state if the Government took these reforms forward now, it change, support nature recovery, maintain our heritage and habitats and ensure the National Park is accessible and welcoming to all.
“The things we do today will help our National Park thrive tomorrow, and for many generations to come.”
The money raised is already being used to support community and conservation projects such as Moors for the Future moorland restoration, conservation work on the Monsal and Tissington trails, woodland restructuring at Stanage North Lees and conservation work in the South West Peak. to blossom in Morledge would be showing strong global leadership ahead of the major international biodiversity and climate conferences later this year.
The milestone is a chance for real celebration – but also reflection on how, moving forward, the Government and Park Authority can support landowners, businesses, local authorities and the public to ensure the Peak District National Park remains a great place for people, and becomes a brilliant space for nature and nature’s recovery.
Tim Birch Director of Natures Recovery at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust added ‘We need a wild and exciting Peak District National Park; a land restored so that Ospreys once again soar overhead, Black Grouse and Hen Harriers are back where they belong amidst abundant wildflower meadows rich in insect life and healthy blanket bogs; where Pine Martens and Red Squirrels are thriving, native woodlands are regenerating across our hillsides and valleys while Beavers are restoring and creating new wetlands.
“Who wouldn’t like to visit such an inspiring place?”