Peak Park to share in £2 million fund to restore farm buildings

The Peak District National Park is taking part in a £2 million pilot scheme to help farmers and land managers to restore historic farm buildings.

It is one of five National Parks to pilot the Historic Building Restoration Grant, which aims to save some iconic English farm buildings from falling out of use. The pilot is a partnership between Historic England, Natural England and the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor and Northumberland National Parks.

Peak District National Park advisors will be working with farmers and land managers to determine which buildings are most suitable to receive grants offering 80 per cent towards the cost of restoration. This could include roof repair, weatherproofing or other restoration works, allowing a building to be used again for farming purposes.

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park, said: “We are delighted that the significance of our traditional buildings is recognised in this scheme. Particularly in upland areas, these historic buildings are vulnerable to falling out of use. We look forward  to working with farmers and land managers to help them restore buildings that contribute so much to the landscape character of the National Park.

“We hope that this pilot scheme will be a success and will build a case for future funding to conserve more of these important buildings.”

Lord Gardiner, Defra minister for National Parks, said: “The British countryside, including those historic farm buildings that dot some of our most iconic landscapes, is a truly precious natural asset. I am delighted that we are able to open this new set of grants supporting the restoration of traditional farm buildings.”

Sir Laurie Magnus, chairman of Historic England, added: “Historic England warmly welcomes this scheme and its endorsement of the value and importance of traditional farm buildings.

“The partnership approach being piloted by Historic England, Natural England and upland National Parks will be of immense value in helping owners to maintain and conserve these buildings and to retain their significance for future generations.”