Love the Peak Week is for you to show your love for the Peak District by raising funds for Friends of the Peak District – the charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing it.

Taking place between 23 –31 October 2010, we are asking supporters to get involved and think of ways they can help raise much needed funds for the Peak District. Here are just some ways to get involved:

Shriek for the Peak! - Saturday 30th October 2010

We are looking for intrepid supporters to take part in a sponsored abseil in our aid on Saturday 30^th October.  

It costs just £25 to enter and we ask you to also collect any sponsorship you can for our charity. It is a 90ft sponsored abseil off Millers Dale Bridge, near Monsal Head. Wonderful views and a great experience, while raising funds for a brilliant cause.

You can choose the time of day you would like to do it and the abseil is open to anyone from twelve years of age, although under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian.– for more details contact Danny Anderson or you can download an entry form here
 

Take to the Peak Enjoy the Peak District while raising funds to protect it.

Racing TNT (the largest Triathlon team in the region) are organising a 100k sponsored bike ride for us on Sunday 31 October. If you are an experienced cyclist and would be interested in taking part, please please contact Danny Anderson. There is also a £10 entry fee.

Alternatively why not organize your own sponsored walk or cycle ride in the Peak District with your friends or colleagues to raise money for the charity? Enjoy the Peak while raising funds to protect it.

Peak on the streets We need volunteers to help us raise funds with street collections across the Peak District before and during Love the Peak Week. Please let us know if you can help us collect in:

16 October - Matlock Bath
23 October - Bakewell town centre
31 October - Hathersage - Derwent Water – Castleton – Edale - Buxton - Moneyash – Bakewell - and Haddon Hall

If you would like to help, please contact Danny Anderson
 

Books for the Peak Saturday 23 October 2010 -
Victoria Methodist Hall, Chapel Walk Sheffield, S1 2JB

We are having a second hand book sale on 30am – 3pm. So we need second hand books and people to buy them. If you have books you can donate get in touch. Please contact Danny Anderson

Party for the Peak We are looking for more people to help organise a party, pub quiz, wine tasting, concert, coffee morning or any event you fancy, with an entry fee or maybe a raffle to raise funds for us.

Find a Friend for the Peak We need more friends. The £29 a year that many of our supporters give each year is vital to our work. To continue and grow we need more friends donating to us on a regular basis. If you know people who also love the Peak District, then please use Love the Peak week as an excuse to ask them to join us.

Make a donation Friends of the Peak District relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its work. Please donate to help us continue to protect this unique area.
 

"We are so lucky to live in the Peak District, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. We are happy to support Peak Pound - such a simple way in which both ourselves and our guests can ensure the Peak District stays special." 

Liz Woodward, Barn Meadow Eco Barn at Top Eccles Farm

Each year there are 22 million visits to the Peak District. Tourism is essential for the local economy - 24 % of Peak District residents are employed in the sector. Thousands of local businesses rely on the beauty of the Peak District for their livelihood. The Peak District needs looking after to make sure that these visitors keep coming back and help the local economy.

We want businesses like yours to support Friends of the Peak District's work and demonstrate your commitment to the local environment by signing up to our Peak Pound Partnership.

We hope you agree that a pound is not too much to ask a visitor to add onto their bill after perhaps spending £250-£500 for a week’s holiday in a cottage, £100-150 for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B, or £30-50 for dinner.

To support the work of Friends of the Peak District all you need to do is add the text below to bookings forms, invoices, food and drinks bills - and then collect the £1 extra from your guests or customers.

I want to support Friends of the Peak District’s work protecting our first national park and help the Peak Pound Partnership by giving £1.  100 % of this donation goes directly to supporting Friends of the Peak District’s work.
For more information visit www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk.

Charity No: 1094975

Then all you need to do is to send us the money you collect every quarter - keeping costs as low as possible. You could even match the support of your guests and customers pound for pound, and double the money we receive!

As a local business we'll off you promotional opportunities because we believe support goes both ways.

Please contact Danny Anderson if you want to get involved.

Our Peak Pound Partners 

• Let's Stay Peak District - Friends of the Peak District's Accommodation Partner 
• Beechenhill Farm
• Blue Lagoon Holiday Cottages
• The Old Furnace
• The Peacock at Rowsley
• Peak Walking Adventures
• Riverside House
• Top Eccles Farm
• Shatton Hall Farm
• The Spook, Winster
• Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages
• Callow Top Farm
• Losehouse Hotel
• Ashbourne Heights Country Park
• Hoe Grange Holidays

Friends of the Peak District safeguards the landscapes of Britain’s first and most popular national park.

• We challenge and campaign against developments that threaten the Peak District’s beauty and tranquillity.
• We want thriving rural communities. We support homes for local people, sustainable jobs and local services.
• Climate change is the biggest threat to our countryside. We champion suitable renewable energy, environmental building design and green transport schemes in the national park.

Friends of the Peak District looks after the Peak District National Park, the Derbyshire High Peak and six parishes in North East Derbyshire (Barlow, Dronfield, Eckington, Holmesfield, Killamarsh and Unstone).

Where we fit

• We are a member of The Campaign for National Parks 
• We also represent CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) in the Peak District, and are part of the CPRE East Midland's Regional Group
• We are managed by CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire, which also manages our sister charity CPRE South Yorkshire

What's in it for you?

• Show your support for environmental and renewable energy initiatives
• Be a part of projects to improve countryside access and sustainable development
• Position your company as a local business that cares about local issues
• Create media and communications opportunities for your company
• Enjoy free targeted advertising in our Peakland Guardian magazine
• Reach our members with your company's information or special offers 

How?

There are many different ways that companies can get involved with Friends of the Peak District, including becoming a corporate member or a Peak Pound Partner.

You could also consider sponsoring us; and getting your staff involved in fundraising for us.

Our current corporate members

Click here to learn more about our corporate membership scheme

Corporate Partners who support us at £1000 a year

Let's Stay Peak District - Friends of the Peak District's Accommodation Partner  As a local company, Let's Stay Peak District appreciates the work that Friends of the Peak District is doing to keep our environment beautiful. Our accommodation providers rely on organisations like this to protect this area so that visitors will continue to yearn for its peace, tranquility and beauty.

Our Corporate Guardians who support us at £250 a year

	Royal Crown Derby 194 Osmaston Road, Derby DE23 8JZ; 01332 712800  Discover traditional skills. Every piece of Royal Crown Derby porcelain is crafted using skills and experience handed down through generations. Visit our museum for stunning views of the Peak District hand painted on ceramic.
	Derbyshire Building Society Supporting Friends of the Peak District is an important part of our involvement in local issues. With branches across the Derbyshire area, we like to think we're rooted in the local community and we're also committed to environmental and sustainability initiatives. Supporting Friends of the Peak District is a good way to show our members we care.
	Callow Top Holiday Park Buxton Road, Sandybrook, Ashbourne DE6 2AQ; 01335 344020  Callow Top is a popular family holiday park just north of the market town of Ashbourne. We are just the place for a weekend away or your annual family holiday.
	The Peacock at Rowsley Derbyshire, DE4 2EB; 01629 733518 Built in 1652 and a hotel since 1820, The Peacock has 16 bedrooms and three dining rooms and has been awarded 3 Red Stars and 2 rosettes from the AA.
	Losehill House Hotel & Spa Lose Hill Lane, Edale Road, Hope S33 6AF; 01433 621219

 Our Corporate Friends who support us at £50 a year

	Bookstore Brierlow Bar Ashbourne Road, near Buxton SK17 9PY; 01298 71017 The largest bargain bookshop in the country, now a destination venue for bookbuyers throughout the north and midlands, our range of titles and subjects unrivalled elsewhere. Open 7 days a week.
	Riverside House Litton Mill, Derbyshire; 020 8886 6324 Stunning holiday house in the Peak District. Spacious and recently modernised, 4 star rating, sleeps 9+, child and pet friendly. Spectacular walks, attractions nearby, peaceful riverside location.
	Graham Walton Independent Financial Adviser PHFS Limited, 160 Baslow Road, Sheffield. S17 4DR; 0114 2353500 Working with individuals, families and small businesses providing financial planning advice. Specialising in Green Investments, Ethical Investments, and Socially Responsible Funds.
	No 6 The Square Buxton, Derbyshire; 01298 213541 Morning coffee, light meals or a traditional afternoon tea are served in the elegant Georgian surroundings of our tearooms – opposite the Pavilion Gardens & Opera House. Local produce used where possible.
	Simply Classic Websites 64 Braithwell Road, Ravenfield, Rotherham; 01709 540710 Email margaret.gray@simplyclassicwebsites.co.uk Simply Classic Websites (owned and operated by Classic Promotion Services) provides affordable web design and graphics packages for small businesses, charities and non-profit making organisations.
	Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages Earl Sterndale, Derbyshire; 01298 83219 Eight award-winning, 4 star self-catering cottages in the heart of the Peak District. Singles, couples, families, groups and dogs welcome. Eco-friendly holidays in a stunning, unspoilt landscape. The perfect place to unwind and explore.
	Bolehill Peak District Cottages Monyash Road, Bakewell DE45 1QW; 01629 812487 Eight attractive award-winning stone cottages, sleeping two to five in a traditional courtyard setting. Situated two miles from Bakewell in grounds of 20 acres and overlooking Lathkill Dale. Dogs welcome.

Our current Peak Pound Partners

Click here to find out more about Peak Pound Partnership scheme

• Beechenhill Farm
• Blue Lagoon Holiday Cottages
• The Old Furnace
• The Peacock at Rowsley
• Peak Walking Adventures
• Riverside House
• Top Eccles Farm
• Shatton Hall Farm
• The Spook, Winster
• Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages
• Callow Top Farm
• Losehouse Hotel
• Ashbourne Heights Country Park
• Hoe Grange Holidays

Our supporters help us in a number of ways including joining us, advertising, sponsorship and supporting our events with prizes.

• Let's Stay Peak District
• Living Art
• East Lodge Country House Hotel
• Peak District National Park Authority
• Royal Crown Derby
• Derbyshire Building Society
• The AGA Shop

Please contact Danny Anderson to find out more.

Friends of the Peak District campaigns against people destroying land and disturbing tranquillity with off-road 4x4 vehicles, trail motorbikes and quad bikes.  

Most off-roading happens on lanes and paths where cars should not have the priority. There are various categories for different routes which can be confusing. Some are BOATs (Byways Open to All Traffic) and others are unclassified. Some off-roading is legal, but damaging; some off-roading is completely illegal.     

Apart from ruining people's quiet enjoyment of the countryside, irresponsible off-roaders are causing serious erosion and destroying precious wildlife areas, including some which are nationally and internationally important.

Houndkirk - job done!

We've been campaigning for two years against 4x4 drivers and trail bikers carving up Houndkirk near Sheffield. Houndkirk Road itself is a legitimate byway and open to motor vehicles. However, off-roaders often drive too fast and recklessly, damaging the road especially in wet weather when it is already really boggy. 

 
Our main concern at Houndkirk though, was that 4x4s created a trials circuit on an area of open moorland at the highest point on the road (just above Parson House Farm) that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This was illegal, an eyesore and an invitation for drivers to go further out onto the moor. 

We raised awareness of the damage with Natural England, the Peak District National Park Authority and Sheffield City Council to look at ways to stop off-roaders and protect the land. The good news is that a team from Moors for the Future have now finished fencing off the area, repairing the battered ground, and helping the heather to regenerate. They have also put in stiles so that walkers can still use the two footpaths there.

What are we doing elsewhere?

Throughout the Peak District, we are campaigning to stop the destruction of landscapes in other places, and to preserve routes for quiet enjoyment by foot, horse or bike. The Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council have recently published their plans for managing eight worst affected routes. We're disappointed with the lack of immediate action on a number of routes where the damage is really bad - especially at Chapel Gate near Edale and Long Causeway at Stanage Edge. Have a look at our off-roading policy for more information.

We're lobbying for

• the most sensitive routes to be closed to 4x4s and trail bikes 
• the police to take firmer action against illegal off-roading
• innovative solutions such as developing dedicated, less sensitive areas for off-roading    
   

Absolutely FAB

We've also been involved in setting up a new group called FAB (Forum for Ancient Byways) to bring together local parishes and communities affected by off-roading in and around the Hope Valley. The aim is that they will now be able to take action more effectively together.  

What you can do

• Get in touch with John King, our planning officer, if you are concerned about off-roading in a place that's important to you
• Write to or email the Peak District National Park Authority or Derbyshire County Council about off-roading
• Report actual incidents of illegal off-roading to your local police (but make sure you don't put yourself in any danger)

Micro hydro power fits the bill perfectly in the Peak District, where there is plenty of rain and fast flowing rivers running down from the hills.  We also have a rich legacy of water power.

Join the Forum

If you are interested in joining the Peak Hydro Forum - a group of site owners and other people interested in using local rivers to produce hydro power - please contact Andy Tickle. It held its first meeting in July 2010 and aims to promote good practice in micro hydro and encourage more schemes to be developed.

The facts

We spent three years surveying and analysing over 150 river sites which were mainly old watermills that had fallen into disrepair. We found eighty that could be developed as sources of local hydro power in the future. Read the results in our Peak Power report.

Peak Power - pdfs 

• Peak Power - Quick Guide to Micro Hydro 
   
• Peak Power: developing micro hydro power in the Peak District (full technical report including Appendix A listings of the sites covered)
   

Peak Power - appendices

• Appendix B1 part 1  and Appendix B1 part 2 (the results of the Geographical Information Systems constraints analysis for old mill sites in the Peak District National Park)
• Appendices B2 and B3 (the results of the Geographical Information Systens constraints analysis for non-mill sites in the Peak District National Park, and all sites outside the Peak District National Park)
• Appendices C, D, E and F (Appendix C is flow and power estimates for the ten case study sites; Appendix D is grid connection and turbine cost estimates for the case study sites; Appendix E is a list of useful websites for more information, suppliers and funding; Appendix F is a list of the project advisory group members) 

Authors and funders

Peak Power was compiled by Friends of the Peak District with help from technical consultants T4 Sustainability and the Devon Association for Renewable Energy. 

It was funded by

• Peak District Sustainable Development Fund
• East Midlands Community Renewables Initiative
• Chesterfield Steels Group

We couldn't do our work without our brilliant volunteers. Thank you also to our team of volunteers supporting our sister charity CPRE South Yorkshire.

Plus all our trustees and conservation volunteers...

Friends of the Peak District campaigns within the statutory planning system - and outside of it.

Good planning can help slow the growth in road traffic, curb urban sprawl, safeguard wildlife habitats and protect the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside. Our volunteers and staff screen every planning application made in the Peak District National Park, High Peak and six parishes of North East Derbyshire. We raise the alarm when the countryside is threatened, sometimes even taking cases to appeal and public inquiry if we have to. 

We take part in consultations and influence local and regional plans in favour of the countryside. We publicise important issues through the local press and radio and through our own events and publications. Locally we work with individuals and communities - residents' associations, parish councils and pressure groups - advising on the planning system, on campaigning tactics and attracting publicity.

Sometimes problems can only be resolved by changes in government policy or legislation. We are part of two influential national networks: Campaign for National Parks and the CPRE network.

We don't just campaign against damaging developments - we campaign for positive practical alternatives. We campaign for appropriate and well-designed development in the countryside (see our policy on sustainable developments) and we work to encourage green farming and land-use policies. 

Read Friends of the Peak District's main planning policy.

Homes sweet homes

The Peak District is bang in between the two large cities of Sheffield and Manchester - and within commuting distance of Derby and Nottingham. So it's an attractive place to move to and enjoy fresh air, tranquillity and beautiful landscapes. This, and the recent boom in people buying second homes, means houses are very sought after - and expensive - here. It also means that they are usually beyond the means of residents and young families who are first-time buyers or on a low income.

There are government targets to build houses in every region. Because it's a protected national park, the Peak District's target is zero. New houses can be built if they are affordable for local people on low incomes, or if they serve a conservation benefit, for example, by tidying up a run-down site. The High Peak and North East Derbyshire do have housing targets that can be challenging because of a lack of brownfield land and constraints of the landscape. 

When plans for housing come in, we check against several things; mainly that

• brownfield or less beautiful sites have been used up first
• local people can afford them
• they fit local building styles
• are ecologically sustainable
• they don't increase roads and car use

Over the years we have

• supported affordable housing schemes at Warslow, Bamford, Baslow and Elton because they were appropriately located and met a need for local housing
• campaigned for increases in the number of affordable homes at the Newburgh site in Bradwell and at the Riverside Development near Bakewell 
• opposed the Harpur Hill development in Buxton because it was too far from local services and facilities, and would have really spoiled the landscape 

At a regional level, we campaign to make sure that housing targets in our patch are realistic and sustainable. Please have a look at our Housing policy for full details.

Commercial developments

We use a similar set of things to judge planning applications for new business buildings or conversions. Please see our planning policy for details about how we do this.  Again, we work to protect the countryside against unecessary and inappropriate developments - but try to balance this with the need for local jobs. For example, we

• supported the top-quality conversion of farm buildings into business units at Hathersage Hall 
• are lobbying for more renewable energy technologies at the Riverside Development near Bakewell 
• are currently campaigning against a massive bottling plant at Cowdale Quarry just outside Buxton because it will ruin a much-loved beauty spot

To find out more, contact John King.