Hydro Project

Former civil engineer Graham Woods worked for thirty years in the water industry before retirement. Keen to put his time and professional experience to good use he is working with the Campaigns Team on a Hydropower Survey of the Peak District.

I have held an interest in countryside matters for a long time, especially those concerning the balance between what exists and what people enjoy, and providing for the economic and social progress of those who live and work in the countryside. Working with FPD therefore offered an excellent opportunity to combine my professional expertise and my interest.

At present I am working on a hydropower survey of the Peak District, which follows on from a similar study recently completed in Dartmoor. The development of renewable energy in the countryside is important not only in relation to climate change and the likely impact on the environment, but also in the context of sustainability as the UK becomes no longer self sufficient in energy generation. The Government has placed a lot of emphasis on wind power to meet its commitments in terms of electricity generation, but this technology is not suitable for areas of high landscape value such as the Peak District. However, hydropower, which is perhaps the most long-established renewable energy technology, has a long history of use in the Peak District. As part of the initial phase of this study I shall be writing to all Parish Councils in the Park asking for potential hydropower locations within their area. These can be old mill sites, compensation flow from reservoirs, etc. or new potential sites.

Planning Volunteers

Tom Duncan recently thanked us for his work experience opportunity, having joined a top, private sector, planning consultancy.

After starting my MA Town Planning degree at Sheffield University I decided to join FPD as a way increasing my knowledge of the planning system. Assigned to the New Mills in the Derbyshire High Peak area I was required to monitor the planning application lists for any proposals that may detract from the attractiveness of my area. If I did spot one that I was concerned about then I would view the detailed application, conduct a site visit, and decide whether or not to raise any objections.

I was allowed to work at my own pace and do as much or as little as I wanted and so I was easily able to fit volunteering in around my own schedule. I found the work stimulating and rewarding, especially when applications I had worked on were refused. It also enabled me to see some beautiful parts of the countryside, which I would not otherwise have visited. Having had no previous work experience, volunteering supplemented my university course with practical knowledge of planning in the real world and proved to be an extremely valuable resource that I was able to draw upon in subsequent job interviews. It definitely served to increase my employability.

Project Volunteers

I had such a lovely time with you over the summer and really appreciate all the ways in which you supported me – Julia Makin, Admin Volunteer.

The insights, new skills and new knowledge I have gained will be of great benefit to my third year of degree study and a possible future career in environmental campaigning. Thank you for making me feel so welcome – Robert Doole, Communications Team Volunteer.

Conservation Volunteers

Having a National Park on our doorstep is something many of us take for granted, explains Clare Kelly, Conservation Team Co-ordinator. The National Park relies upon volunteers to maintain its natural beauty and preserve it as a landscape everyone can enjoy and all our volunteers relish putting something practical back into looking after the landscapes they love. This winter we’ve cleared trees, re-built dry-stone walls and helped root out invading rhododendrons. We've had a great time and many volunteers will be coming back for more to take part in our weekend programmes throughout the summer.