Funding helps people enjoy Peak District

The Peak District National Park Foundation has been awarded £7,000 to help people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities to enjoy the outdoors.

The grant, from the Yorkshire Water Community Benefit Fund, will go towards a year-long project to recruit community champions to lead walks and encourage people to enjoy the Peak District National Park.

The project will be delivered in partnership with community organisations, including Peak District Mosaic, a charity which works to increase confidence in people from BAME communities to visit the countryside and experience the health benefits it offers.

Chair Yvonne Witter said: “Peak District Mosaic is delighted to be working with the Foundation to enable more people to access and enjoy the countryside. 

“Our mission is to support communities to enjoy the national park for the benefit of their health and well-being.”

She added: “Peak District Mosaic champions play a vital role in engaging with communities to organise activities and group visits to the national park. 

“They support individuals and groups to learn about the environment and to spend quality time with nature.

“During their training, champions learn about different aspects of the national park - including wildlife, history and geology - and learn the necessary skills and knowledge needed to lead group visits.”

Peak District National Park Foundation manager Sarah Slowther said: “We’re delighted that Yorkshire Water is supporting this project so that we can work with partners like Peak District Mosaic to make the Peak District more welcoming to all communities and realise our vision of a national park enjoyed and conserved by everyone.”

The project is one of six regional initiatives to receive funding through Yorkshire Water’s £100,000 Community Benefit Fund.

The water company created the fund after receiving praise for its partnership work from regulator Ofwat, which granted Yorkshire Water a financial reward.

A Yorkshire Water spokeswoman said: “We are pleased to support this project encouraging a wider diversity of people into the wonderful Peak District National Park.”

The Peak District National Park Foundation is a fundraising charity which supports a wide range of conservation and access projects throughout the Peak District.

Projects include: training champions to make the National Park more welcoming to marginalised communities; improving physical access to the Park; supporting moorland and grassland restoration to increase carbon storage, improve biodiversity, provide natural flood defences and clean water; and inspiring the next generation of Peak District pioneers through Junior Ranger work.

The Foundation hopes to inspire everyone to Explore, Enjoy and Support their National Park and to leave it in a better condition for future generations to enjoy. 

You can support The Peak District National Park Foundation at https://www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk/support-us/