Diploma renewed for national park

BOSSES at the Peak District National Park Authority are celebrating having a prestigious European diploma renewed for the next 10 years.

The European diploma of protected areas has been awarded for the 45th year to the National Park – one of only five areas in the UK to hold the accolade.

The four other areas in the UK to have the diploma are Minsmere Nature Reserve in Suffolk, Purbeck Heritage Coast in Dorset, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and Fair Isle National Scenic Area, both in Scotland. In total, 70 areas across 26 European countries have the sought-after award.

Jane Chapman, head of environment and economy at the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “I’m delighted this prestigious diploma has been renewed for 10 years – it’s a recognition of the sterling work being done by hundreds of people across the national park.

“That includes everyone from our major partners such as landowners and environmental organisations, to farmers who care for our landscapes, gardeners who create wildlife habitats, and householders, community groups, churches and parishes who look after historic properties.”