Cultural heritage expert appointed to Peak Park Authority

Mr Ken Smith has been appointed a member of the Peak District National Park Authority by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The appointment is for a four-year term, and Ken Smith will serve as a member of the planning committee until the annual Authority meeting in July 2022.

A former employee of the Authority, Ken Smith retired in 2017 after 35 years as an archaeologist and manager looking out for the Peak District National Park’s cultural heritage. He brings to the role a wealth of knowledge and experience in land management, rural communities and protecting and enhancing the environment.

During his employment Ken Smith also had national roles in the development of aspects of agri-environment schemes; became an advisor to the National Trust on historic environment issues; and served for 6 years on the statutory Historic England Advisory Committee, offering advice and guidance on a range of issues.

He has co-authored books about Peak District archaeology and helped organise the annual Derbyshire Archaeology Day, held every January, since it started for over 25 years.

Speaking of his appointment, Ken Smith said: “I’m delighted to be back in a new role as a member of the Authority. I trained as an archaeologist but my role with the National Park encompassed planning and mineral development, farming, communities, landscape, climate change and cultural heritage, and other issues. I believe that this range of experience, locally, regionally and nationally will benefit and inform my input to the sustainable management of landscapes in the Peak District National Park.”

Ken supports and is a member of organisations including the National Trust, Derbyshire Archaeological Society, Hunter Archaeological Society, Council for British Archaeology and Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

Authority chair Cllr Andrew McCloy said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ken Smith as our new Secretary of State member. He has a detailed understanding of the Peak District National Park and our purposes to protect and enhance its special qualities. His expertise in landscape archaeology and cultural heritage protection will be an asset to the Authority in looking after this treasured place.”

Secretary of State members are appointed for their specific expertise in different aspects of the National Park. The Authority also includes councillors from the county, city, district and parish councils in the Peak District.

The role of members is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny and direction of the National Park Authority and further the statutory purposes of the National Park.