Latest News - October 2011

For the first time in decades, electricity is now being produced by harnessing the power of the River Wye in Ashford in the Water.

After over two years working to instate hydro power at Ashford Old Mill, the owner Bob Griffiths had his hundred year old turbine reinstalled in the summer, and has just been connected to the National Grid.

“It’s so exciting,” said Bob Griffiths, “I am absolutely delighted with it. The turbine runs perfectly and is almost silent. And the result is 15 Kw of green power for 32 homes, and it will save 63 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere every year. It was hard work, but worth it in the end!”

We've been closely involved in supporting this project, and think it is just brilliant! Not only is green power being produced for local people, but a listed mill has now been beautifully refurbished and connected to its original use. We’re also pleased that the turbine was restored by engineers near Ashbourne and that local consultants, Derwent Hydro Power, oversaw the re-instatement and grid connection.

Ashford Old Mill featured as a case study site in our 2010 Peak Power report about the feasibility of small scale hydro power in the Peak District. Our research suggested that another 1800 kW of micro hydro power is still possible in the Peak District. Ashford Old Mill getting going is excellent, but it’s still a long, uphill road!

To help support this expansion, we helped form the Peak Hydro Forum – a group aiming to raise the profile of micro hydro and share experiences. It meets regularly throughout the year including visiting hydro sites of interest. The Peak Hydro Forum will be visiting Ashford Old Mill on Saturday 29 October. Please get in touch with Andy Tickle to find out more.

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The deadline has gone for the draft National Planning Policy Framework public consultation - but that's by no means the end of the story!

The NPPF is the biggest shake-up of planning for over 50 years. We believe it will place all of our countryside - including the Peak District National Park - and the wider countryside - under increasing threat. Although the consultation is  closed, there's still some time before the final document is published, and MPs can still make suggestions for changes and improvements.

Friends of the Peak District will be keeping up the pressure over the next few months for a radical rewrite, in order to save our countryside! We urge you to get involved too.

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Shriek for the Peak and help raise funds for Friends of the Peak District with this brilliant 80ft charity abseil on Saturday November 19th.

Enjoy all the thrills of a real life Spiderman by swinging from Millers Dale Bridge, while being our superhero and raising sponsorship to protect the Peak District's landscapes and countryside.
 

For just £25 (usual cost is £35) you can take part in an abseiling session off Millers Dale Bridge in the heart of the stunning Peak District. This old railway viaduct is part of the Monsal Trail that runs through the heart of the National Park, and under the watchful eye of trained professionals, you will abseil 80 feet down the bridge.

To take part contact Danny Anderson or phone 0114 266 5822 or download and print off an entry form.

This event is being very kindly supported by our friends at Large Outdoors.
 

Location: Millers Dale Bridge, Millers Dale, near Tideswell
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