The healing power of
PHOTO: DANIEL WILDEY
NATURE From post-war recovery to the tentative easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the countryside remains as important as ever to our health and wellbeing. In these challenging times, our landscapes are themselves in need of care and attention – and the Peak District National Park Foundation is helping us all to give something back.
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he creation of national parks was a key part of Britain’s recovery following the Second World War. Now, as the Peak District celebrates its 70th birthday, national parks again have a crucial role to play in the nation’s recovery, this time from the ravages of Covid-19. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of the countryside and nature for our health and wellbeing. But our treasured landscapes themselves need love and care... and that’s where we come in. The Peak District National Park Foundation registered with the Charity Commission in 2019 and raises funds for conservation and engagement projects across the Peak District. Our ambitious inaugural fundraising campaign – #70kfor70 – set out to raise £70,000 to mark the Peak District’s 70th birthday as the UK’s first national park. And, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re thrilled to report that the campaign has raised £130,000 – and has already funded some vital projects. We’ve contributed to conservation programmes such as moorland restoration through Moors for the Future, heathland restoration at Stanage Edge and conservation work on the Monsal Trail. We’ve kitted out the Peak District’s junior rangers, supported access improvements 26
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
with Miles Without Stiles and supported Peak District Mosaic, a charity which works to make the national park more accessible to people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. We’ve also funded Fit For Work, enabling offenders on licence to develop conservation skills. But #70kfor70 is just the start.
We want to see more land managed for wildlife, more rare habitats protected and more people able to enjoy their national park responsibly 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. We want to see more land managed for wildlife, more rare habitats protected and more people able to enjoy their national park responsibly. With 555 square miles to cover, this isn’t a small task but, with over 13 million visitors each year and thousands of businesses, we hope to inspire more
and more people to support our important work. The Peak District National Park Foundation continues to work hard to secure and direct goodwill to places where it can make a real difference. Foundation chair Jen Lowthrop says: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone and, like most charities, our fundraising has taken a hit. However, we’ve been inspired and humbled during these difficult times by the continued generosity of people, who have helped us to reach our first major fundraising target – and more. “The Peak District’s 70th birthday is a time to reflect and also to look ahead. Without the protections of a National Park designation, the Peak District would look very different. Nevertheless, there are some massive challenges and 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, if you can, by donating. There are lots of ways you can play your part, from monthly donations to fundraising for us. Working together, we can realise our vision of a National Park enjoyed and conserved by everyone.” Visit www.peakdistrictfoundation.org. uk to find out how you can help.
