It’s in the bag!

Above: Foundation litter pickers (left to right): Steve Turner, Andrew McCloy, Claire Barlow, Sarah Wilks, Jen Lowthrop

Trustees, staff and volunteers of the Peak District National Park Foundation joined forces to collect litter on the Monsal Trail to launch a new fundraising campaign – the Peak District Proud Fund.

The campaign, which is now live on the Foundation website, aims to raise money to buy litter picking kits for volunteers and community organisations to help care for the Peak District National Park.

The Foundation hopes the campaign will also raise awareness about problems posed by litter in the national park – including danger to wildlife and contributing to fire risks.

In the longer term, the fund aims to create a small grants pot for community organisations carrying out Peak District Proud activities, from litter picking to wildlife monitoring to tree planting.

Foundation chair Jen Lowthrop said: “It was great to get out on the Monsal Trail and do something positive to help care for this wonderful place.

“We can all be Peak District Proud. It’s about taking simple steps such as taking your litter home with you, not having BBQs when you’re visiting the national park and keeping your dog on a lead. 

“Nevertheless, litter continues to be a major challenge and we really appreciate the hard work of volunteers and community groups in tackling this problem. So, if you enjoy visiting our national park and want to give something back, please consider making a donation to our Peak District Proud Fund.”

The Foundation’s corporate partners are already getting behind the fund with support and donations, including a donation from outdoor clothing company Solid Ground Outdoors.

A spokesman said: “We see it as a moral obligation to give back to national parks and will continue to do so. The launch of the Peak District Proud Fund coincides with the gradual welcome back to the national park for visitors following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. While it is great to see so many people out connecting with nature in the Peak District, it’s important that visitors enjoy the national park with understanding – to protect this special place for the wildlife that calls it home and for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Donations can be made online at www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk/peak-district-proud or text ‘Donate peak 16’ to 88802 to give an amount of your choice.