‘A fitting tribute to The Peak’...

New book featuring 850 beautiful photographs celebrates Britain’s magnificent original park

There’s much to love about it. No other UK national park can boast such diversity

A NEW book covering the Peak District - which includes large parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands - has been published.

The A4 sized pictorial book, by Rod Dunn, is a journey from north to south through Britain’s most popular National Park and features its landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, customs, ancient sites and events.

Entitled, The Peak, the celebration of the Peak District is revealed in more than 300 pages with around 850 beautiful coloured photographs. The hills, moors, crags and dales are seen throughout the seasons and more than 150 of the most interesting wild flowers are illustrated at sites where they bloom. The butterflies and dragonflies found are shown as well as many other insects, birds, mammals and reptiles.

The ancient customs and rituals observed in villages, many which have a floral theme, are also featured.

In a foreword of the book the chairman of the Peak District National Park Authority, Andrew Mccloy, said: “This knowledgeable and beautifully illustrated book is a fitting celebration of the magnificent landscape, natural history and cultural heritage of Britain’s original park.

“It’s a reminder why these precious 555 square miles in the heart of the nation were designated in the first place, but also why they still matter so much today.

“In our busy and turbulent modern lives, landscapes like the Peak District are vital for our physical and mental good health, giving us a chance to relax, widen our horizons and get up close with nature.

“Rod Dunn’s splendid book is a fitting tribute to all that is special about The Peak.”

Rod Dunn has been walking, climbing and conducting environmental surveys in the Peak District for more than 40 years.

He said: “It has taken 10 years to complete the book. Those who love The Peak District National Park simply refer to it as The Peak. There is much to love about it. No other UK national park can boast such diversity.

“In part, this is due to the geology with Millstone Grit and Carboniferous Limestone being the two main types of rock.

“In general, the gritstone area is

Rob Dunn

known as The Dark Peak and the limestone area The White Peak. The Dark Peak having acidic soil and The White Peak alkaline, each environment has largely different plants and scenery.

“The Peak District National Park celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021, so I hope this pictorial introduction helps people to discover the many wonders of Britain’s first National Park.”

The book, priced at £25 is available at The Bookshop, Leek; High Peak Bookstore at Brierlow Bar near Buxton and online at Scarthin Books, Cromford.