......
Hi,
I know this has been covered
here but now having heard Henry Folkard talk about the scheme as well as Rebekah Newman (newly appointed Peak Park rep for North Lees Estate AKA Mrs Stanage) at last week's Peak Area Meeting I think it would be great for UKB to get behind the scheme.
The management of Stanage has been problematic and as most will be aware the management has been retained by the Peak Park authority. Finance has been a crux issue as the Peak Park has limited funds and wants to leverage cash generating opportunities. The BMC represented by Henry Folkard and Adam Long backed up by the BMC Stand Up for Stanage petition and working with other groups ie The Stanage Forum has negotiated with the Peak Park Authority to achieve a scheme that maintains some key principles. Most notably The Peak Park was gifted to the public to provide free access for recreational use and consequently compulsory charging schemes would damage that principle.
Its not ideal but seems a very reasonable compromise as a least worst option in straitened financial circumstances as it enables a route to attract needed funding, ensure it is ring fenced for Stanage, preserves the principle of free access and heads off compulsory money making schemes.. But of course if this voluntary scheme isn't successful then compulsory schemes will be back on the agenda.
Other management bodies will be watching this pilot scheme with interest both in the Peak and other National Parks.
Contribute £15 and you will be helping fund access improvements, ring ouzel conservation and woodland management works
As a thank-you you will receive a sticker to display in your car for 12 months free parking at Stanage car parks, plus a discount at the campsite.
All money raised from the stickers will be used directly in the management of Stanage-North Lees.
Sticker can be bought from the BMC shop
www.bmcshop.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=225&products_id=6466 Also available from Stanage-North Lees campsite, Castleton Visitor Centre and Outside in Hathersage (cash only)