Help shape the Peak District National Park

People who care about the Peak District National Park and how it is managed are being asked to take part in the final round of public consultation on the National Park Management Plan 2018-2023.

The National Park Management Plan is a partnership plan for the place which lasts for five years. It describes for everyone what the main issues and priorities are whilst encouraging everyone to work together to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the Peak District National Park, for the benefit of all.

The call to join in the consultation, and help shape how the Peak District National Park is managed, comes from the management plan advisory group.

The group is independently chaired by Dianne Jeffrey who said: “The comments we have received so far have made a tremendous difference to the Plan and helped shape the focus of our work for the next five years.

“This final round of consultation is your last chance to double-check we have got it right. So I’m urging people to please take this opportunity to look at the revised Plan and check it reflects your ideas of how to enhance this special place.

“I encourage everyone to share the consultation document with colleagues, friends and anyone else who you know has a passion for the Peak District National Park.”

Feedback from the first round of public consultation back in June has enabled National Park staff to gauge public opinion and focus the Plan on subjects which really matter to people in protecting the National Park for those who live in and enjoy it.

Senior Strategy officer for the Peak District National Park, Matt Mardling, said: “The first consultation showed us that people want us to focus on our core purpose; to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.

“Based on what people have told us, we’ve set out seven special qualities which define what is special about the Peak District National Park and where we think we can make the biggest difference to some of the key areas of impact currently affecting it.”

People are being asked to comment on the revised special qualities, which are:
– beautiful views created by contrasting landscapes and dramatic geology;
– internationally important and locally distinctive wildlife and habitats;
– undeveloped places of tranquillity and dark night skies within reach of millions;
– landscapes that tell a story of thousands of years of people, farming and industry;
– characteristic settlements with strong communities and traditions;
– an inspiring space for escape, adventure, discovery and quiet reflection;
– vital benefits for millions of people that flow beyond the landscape boundary.

The six areas of impact people are being asked about are:
– preparing for a future climate;
– ensuring a future for farming and land management;
– managing landscape conservation on a big scale;
– a National Park for everyone;
– encouraging enjoyment with understanding;
– supporting thriving and sustainable communities and economy.

The consultation questions can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/npmpconsultation which will be live from 26 Feb.

The survey is open to all – it opened on 5 March and is available until midnight on 16 April, 2018.

Main photo ⓒ Chris Gilbert.