Latest from Friends of the Peak District
Launch of Peak Hydro Forum
Organised by Friends of the Peak District and Sustainable Bakewell
Saturday 3 July, 10am - 12.30 (9.30am for refreshments)
Ashford War Memorial Institute, Main Road, Ashford in the Water DE45 1QA
Anyone interested in micro hydro power in the Peak District is welcome to this first consultation event to set up a Peak Hydro Forum.
Things formally kick off at 10am, but you are welcome from 9.30 for a cup of coffee and chat. The meeting will include
• progress on hydro power in the Peak District
• looking at views on the future work of the Peak Hydro Forum
• discussions about options for what type of forum is wanted
Cost: free
Please register here where you can also fill in a survey about hydro power in the Peak District.
For more information contact Dan Zamoyski of Sustainable Bakewell on 07790 818883.
Fiona Cowan
23 June 2010
*
27 April 2010
Extracts from report to CPRE's East Midlands Regional Group meeting
Hydro Power Report
At the end of March 2010 we published the report of our comprehensive survey of potential sites for hydro power within the Peak District National Park. The Peak Power report has details of over 150 river sites, including 80 that could be developed as sources for local power. Hard copies can be obtained from the branch office.
Off-Roading Policy
We have an increasing involvement in issues relating to off-roading, and in helping local groups combat the problem. In the Peak Park, where it causes conflicts between conservation and recreation, we will promote actions that conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. In our areas of Derbyshire outside the Peak District, our objectives are
• To improve the condition of the most sensitive legally used routes and reduce the disturbance to other users
• To preserve the majority of routes for ‘quiet enjoyment' by foot, horse or bike, depending on the status of the right of way
• To promote controls and remedial action appropriate to the sensitivities of the route, the damage caused and disturbance to other users
• To stop illegal or unsustainable activities on the most sensitive routes
• To encourage greater public awareness of the issues
• To increase community action through partnerships and co-operation.
Other Issues
• We have been joined by fundraiser Danny Anderson. We aim to establish a fundraising working group to support him and to build on our successful events and speaker service to raise funds and improve membership numbers.
• Invitations are now going out to the National Parks Society conference we are organising in Buxton in September 2010 - we hope it will be a stimulating programme of talks, workshops, visits and networking.
* Matlock Farm wind farm application has been turned down.
Isabella Stone
April 2010
Edited by Fiona Cowan
4 May 2010