Peak Park Foundation celebrates #70kfor70 success

Above: Higger moods (Higger Tor) ⓒ Phil Sproson Photography

It was launched to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Peak District National Park – with an ambitious plan to raise £70,000 in its inaugural fundraising project – but the Peak District National Park Foundation has almost doubling its target with £130,000 raised through its #70kfor70 campaign.

Ahead of the Peak District’s 70^th birthday as the UK’s first national park on 17^th April, the money raised is already supporting a range of conservation and engagement projects. These include Moors for the Future moorland restoration, conservation work on the Monsal and Tissington trails, woodland restructuring at Stanage North Lees to improve bird habitats, conservation work in the South West Peak and access work with Miles Without Stiles. 

The Foundation has also kitted out Junior Rangers and supported Peak District Mosaic to help make the National Park more accessible to BAME communities. It has funded Fit for Work, which helps offenders on licence to develop conservation skills. And it has supported Year of Green Action community grants and Ride Sheffield/Peak District MTB volunteer conservation projects.

Some of these projects will be showcased in the Foundation’s #70kfor70 video – #70kfor70 from the Peak District National Park Foundation, celebrating 70 years of the Peak District – YouTube – which will premiere across its social media channels on 16^th April.

Foundation chair, Jen Lowthrop, 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 70^th 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 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. We have a long list of conservation, nature recovery and engagement projects which need funding. We can all help by being #PeakDistrictProud, enjoying the National Park responsibly and by donating.  

“From monthly donations to becoming a Peak Partner business to taking on a fundraising challenge, together we can realise our vision of a National Park enjoyed and conserved by everyone. #70kfor70 is just the start. As more people discover the Peak District, we need to inspire them to Explore, Enjoy and Support their national park – to leave it in a better condition for future generations.” 

#70kfor70 was just the start for the Peak District National Park Foundation. We have ambitious plans for future fundraising to care for the National Park and to make it accessible for all. Visit https://www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk/support-us/ to find out how you can help.