The Roaches Estate

The Roaches is an iconic Peak District National Park landscape, a world-renowned climbing venue and a specially-protected moorland habitat in Staffordshire.

Between 2012 and 2013, management of the Roaches estate is being transferred from the National Park Authority to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) (external website) under a 125-year lease.

As well as the famous climbing crags, the 394-hectare (975-acre) estate includes:

• moorland, woodland and grassland
• Gradbach car park
• Rockhall Cottage (Let to the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) as the Don Whillans Memorial climbing hut. The BMC’s interests are protected under the new lease.)
  

Contact us

A transfer team has been set up by the Authority and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to ensure a smooth transition. If you would like to contact the transfer team with any issues, please contact:

• Gill Bellenie, Strategic Property Officer, Peak District National Park Authority, on 01629 816 272 or gill.bellenie@peakdistrict.gov.uk
• Helen Dale, Reserves Officer, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, on 01889 880 112 or h.dale@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Questions and answers

1. Why is the Authority transferring the estate?

The Authority, which receives the bulk of its funding from the government, has to find budget cuts of 30% up to 2015.

It decided that with increasing constraints on public finance, other like-minded organisations would be in a better position to bring in funding to protect the long-term future of the estate.

The Authority originally took over the estate in 1980 in a poor condition, to conserve its wildlife habitats and safeguard access for public enjoyment.

The Authority’s management has improved its condition significantly:

• Its biodiversity is now of national and European importance as part of a wider a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
• Greater understanding of its cultural heritage, wildlife and natural beauty has led to increased recreation and tourism, which help the local economy.

Now it is time for another organisation to take on this achievement and move it forward.

2. Why was the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust chosen?

The SWT bid was selected as the best of three competing submissions due to its contribution to national park purposes, financial viability and local support.

The Authority compiled a list of requirements, which the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said it would fulfil, to:

• conserve and enhance the wildlife, heritage and landscape of the Roaches estate
• ensure open access and improve footpaths
• increase understanding of its special qualities
• ensure its farmland is looked after to high conservation standards
• involve local people, communities and users
  

The process involved months of consultations with local communities and user-groups, invitations to express interest, opportunities to examine the estate, followed by a tendering process.

Three formal tenders were received:

1. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
2. Land Trust
3. National Trust

The tenders were considered at an Authority meeting in November 2011 and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust was selected.

3. Who was consulted?

The National Park Authority consulted with neighbours and local residents, parish, district and county councils, and specific interest groups such as the Peak District Local Access Forum, Friends of the Peak District and the British Mountaineering Council. All were invited to assist in preparing the questions asked of any interested parties. 

These groups were encouraged to share their views and  express any concerns they might have about management changing hands from the Authority to another body. The Authority’s website was kept updated to keep people informed during the process.

4. Will public access be affected?

No. Most of the estate – more than 365 hectares (900 acres) – is protected as public access land. Only a small area currently used for winter grazing is not designated for open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

5. Will people be charged to visit the estate?

No. The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has no plans to impose charges for visiting the Roaches.

6. Will the public have a say in the future management of the estate?

Yes. People will be able to have their say as a ten-year management plan for the estate is put together. Exact processes for the draft plan are still being formulated, but full public consultation will be included, taking into account the need to ensure that the SSSI condition is maintained and enhanced. Keep an eye on this website or the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website for opportunities to take part (external website).