Peak District National Park celebrates its 75th anniversary

75 years ago, the Peak District National Park became the UK’s first national park, designated on 17 April 1951.

With the foundations set by a group of pioneering ramblers some 20 years earlier and the work of campaigners, the Peak District eventually paved the way for what would become a UK network of 15 national parks enjoyed today.

Set in the heart of the UK, the Peak District National Park is now home to around 38,000 residents, and attracting 13 million visitors a year – its proximity to countless towns and cities often finding it regarded as the most ‘accessible’ of the national parks in Britain.

This amazing National Park is also a living landscape of ecological, historic and cultural significance.

The moorlands play a vital role in capturing carbon, preventing flooding and providing clean drinking water. The 3,000 farms feed the nation. The woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows provide vital habitats for nature. The historic buildings and landscapes tell the story of our nation from neolithic burial mounds, Roman invasion, Norman conquest and medieval farmsteads, to the mills, factories and cottages that gave rise to the birth of the industrial revolution!

Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive said: "The Peak District National Park has been here for the last 75 years and we intend to be here, going from strength to strength, for the next 75. This National Park is not just a great place to visit, its critical for national infrastructure, for national security and national health and wellbeing. Over the last 75 years hundreds of millions of people have experienced the awe and wonder of this special place whilst we have helped create nature rich habitats, restored moorlands, reduced flooding, provided clean drinking water and preserved important aspects of the cultural heritage of the nation. I’d like to thank all the staff, volunteers, farmers, land managers, business owners and local communities who have helped make all this happen. It's a happy birthday for all of us."

The Peak District will share its birthday accolade alongside the Lake District (May 9), Eryri (October 18), and Dartmoor (October 30).

Look out for a landmark 75th Anniversary Report this July - a major report commissioned by all four UK national parks celebrating their 75th year, calling for policy change and sustainable funding to ensure national parks continue delivering for the nation.

Also, don’t miss ‘Unearthed: A Photographic Exhibition’ at the Buxton International Festival, showcasing stunning and rarely seen images from our photographic archive.

Find out more about our 75th birthday: https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/75