Latest News - March 2010

We are proud to launch the first comprehensive survey of places for potential hydro power in the Peak District today!

Our Peak Power report has details of over 150 river sites, including eighty that could be developed as sources of local power for the future.

“It’s taken three years of detailed surveying and analysis, but Peak Power is a useful and comprehensive guide for people who want to find out more about how this great form of renewable energy can work on our doorstep,” says Andy Tickle, our head of planning and campaigning.

 “The Peak District’s the perfect place for small scale hydro power. There’s plenty of rain and fast flowing rivers running down from the hills. And we’ve got a rich legacy of water power - most of the places we looked at were old watermills that have fallen into disuse. They are now absolutely ripe for redeveloping,” he adds.

Friends of the Peak District campaigns to protect much-loved local landscapes. We believe that renewable technology must not dominate or ruin the countryside, and that small scale technologies like micro hydro power are suitable for the Peak District.

We compiled the report with help from technical consultants T4 Sustainability and the Devon Association for Renewable Energy. Peak Power also has the seal of approval from both the Government and the Peak District National Park Authority.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn says, “The challenges which face us on climate change are huge and will require  global agreement.  But they also need small scale answers with individual households and businesses taking responsibility for doing something. It is striking that in many of our rural areas we were making more use of water power in the nineteenth century than we did in the twentieth. That needs to change, hence the importance of the work which Friends of the Peak District is doing with its partners.” 

And Narendra Bajaria, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority adds, “This report, which received financial support from our Sustainable Development Fund, is an important stepping stone towards more hydro schemes of this type. It will encourage local residents, community services, local businesses and others to consider harnessing water power as part of a move towards more sustainable lifestyles.”

See the full technical report and a summary version of Peak Power

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We thought last year's victory at the Court of Appeal meant that the legal door on illegal limestone quarrying at Backdale had finally been shut. The Peak District National Park Authority is currently trying to find a negotiated solution that will put an end to quarrying at the eastern end of Longstone Edge for good. However, Bleaklow Industries, who own the land and mineral rights at Wager’s Flat, Beacon Rod and the now devastated Backdale Quarry has submitted an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

The submission, which follows an unsuccessful request to the House of Lords, is against the UK government. It is expected to take months before the European court determines whether there is a case to answer. If there is, then a ruling could take years. At the same time, the parent body of Glebe Mines, who have the mineral rights to Peak Pastures, has been bought by the Mexican firm Mexichem. Glebe Mines was not part of the deal, and its future is unclear.

We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation and to encourage the National Park Authority to find a permanent solution to this long running problem.

See our campaigns section for background to Backdale.

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Are you passionate about the countryside?

Friends of the Peak District  (with CPRE South Yorkshire) is a highly regarded local environmental charity - and we're looking for people to join us as part of the team of volunteers who provide governance and direction for our work.

The role is about protecting and enhancing the countryside of both South Yorkshire and the Peak District. Our vision is of a living, working countryside which changes with the times but remains beautiful forever. 

To find out more about the role of our trustees and the skills, experience and commitment that we're looking for to help us achieve our objectives, please download our information pack or contact Carol Robinson for a chat.

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