Looking After
How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.
- The work of the Authority
How we make decisions, the role of Members and staff. - Current consultations
We want your opinions on these consultations - Ranger service
What our rangers and volunteers do around the National Park. - Plans & policies
Corporate plans and policies
The Roaches Estate
The Roaches is an iconic Peak District National Park landscape, a world renowned climbing venue and a moorland habitat. It is within Staffordshire in the South West of the National Park, as shown on the attached plans (253KB) 
(high quality JPEG 998KB)
Since 1980 the land has been owned by the Peak District National Park Authority, which aims to protect and conserve the flora and fauna on the 394 hectares (approx 975 acres) of moorland, farmland and woodland and provide for its enjoyment by the public.
The estate also includes a car park at Gradbach, and a former gamekeepers grade II listed cottage which is let to the British Mountaineering Council for use as a climbing hut. Much of the land is currently let on a grazing tenancy.
The Estate is designated at national and European level as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. It is also protected in existing and future planning policies as what is known as a Natural Zone. The land is important for a whole range of National Park objectives, including its biodiversity, cultural heritage, natural beauty, recreation and tourism values.
We are seeking to gauge what interest there might be from parties willing to help work with us to achieve these objectives and demonstrate best practice in sustainable site management.
Our review of the future of the Roaches is governed by the following principles:
Fundamental Principles
- the area of land under review is the Roaches Estate and Gradbach Car Park as shown on the attached plans. It includes Rockhall Cottage, let to the British Mountaineering Council for use as a climbing hut.
- the Authority intends to apply for the new Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and, if successful, will pass the agreement on to or share the payments with any potential partner/tenant/purchaser where appropriate. The Authority’s Single Payment Scheme entitlements over part of the Estate would also be transferred.
- the Estate must continue to contribute to National Park Management Plan outcomes, maintaining a balance between conservation, recreation and community.
- the Authority will retain the sporting (shooting) rights of the Estate.
- there will be no financial resources available from the Authority.
- there is an expectation that field staff will be needed on the Estate to achieve the required outcomes.
- a full Estate Management Plan must be produced within 3 years of the review decision
Information pack
Further information can be found in the information pack.
These cost £10 and can be ordered from Customer Service, telephone 01629 816200, or email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk. Payment can be made by credit card over the phone, or you can send a cheque. Alternatively, download the request form (12KB) and post a completed copy to us with a cheque.
Expressing interest
After looking at the information in the Pack, if you wish to be further considered for this process, please complete the Expressions of Interest Form enclosed in the Information Pack and return it to the National Park Authority by 30 July 2010.
If you require the information in a different format please telephone or email Customer Service with your requirements.
The returns will be considered and appropriate parties will be invited to proceed to the next stage planned for late summer 2010.
