Green fields highlighted by sunrays through heavy clouds from Curbar Edge

Dark Peak Action

The Peak District BAP 2011-2020 requires a combined approach to achieving our targets for biodiversity. This approach will include:

Large area projects
Habitat-specific and species-specific targeted action
Site-based work
Core work by partners, and
Delivery through agri-environment and woodland management agreements

Planned action

In the Dark Peak, the focus for action inevitably falls to the large expanses of blanket bog and upland heathland and the work of the Moors for the Future Partnership and other large landowners/managers such as the National Trust and the Utility companies. The moorland fringes made up of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands are an integral part of the landscape and provide important habitat variety for a range of species. Action in the Dark Peak is increasingly taking account of these moorland fringe habitats, and the value of maintaining mosaics across the landscape.

Projects in the Dark Peak include:

MoorLIFE

A Moors for the Future Partnership project to restore further areas of degraded blanket bog.

Eastern Moors Partnership

A management partnership between the National Trust and the RSPB on land owned by the National Park Authority, to promote the estate as a shining example of best practice in achieving National Park purposes and duty, namely: To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the estate; to promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment by the public; and to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.

Dove Stone Partnership

An RSPB/UU partnership project to restore SSSI blanket bog and associated moorland edge habitats including upland woodland and scrub. To raise awareness of ecosystem services of blanket bog and wildlife through engaging with people.

Making Space for Water

A Moors for the Future Partnership project which aims to demonstrate how land management changes (specifically moorland restoration) in the Upper Derwent catchment might impact on flood risk.

Kinder Catchment Improvement

A partnership project between the National Trust, United Utilities and Natural England to restore the significant areas of eroded moorland of Kinder, to deliver a number of benefits to raw water quality, biodiversity, and landscape.

Alport Valley Project

A partnership project between the National Trust and the Forestry Commission with the principle aim of removing the conifer plantations, returning the valley to its semi-natural state and improving the biodiversity of the area.