50 - Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent National Character Area (NCA) is a picturesque transitional area between the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park to the west and the largely urban, formerly mined Derbyshire Coal Measures to the east. Often referred to as the Gateway to the Peaks, this area is underlain mostly by the Carboniferous geology of the eastern Coal Measures and by Millstone Grit (sandstones) in the west – through which the rivers at the heart of this NCA have cut their valleys. Although the area was not included in the National Park, it was seriously considered during the original boundary selection in 1950 and remains a landscape of extremely high quality.

The rivers in the area are of major importance for many reasons; they drain large volumes of rainwater from the Peak District, and the River Derwent has been significant to the area’s economic and industrial heritage, having powered the early mills of the Industrial Revolution. The Derwent Valley Mills were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, celebrating the area’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution.

The area is rich in semi-natural habitats, intimate and dramatic landscapes, views and vistas. The transition between uplands and lowlands provides pathways for species to migrate in response to a changing climate. Ogston Reservoir, originally created to compensate for low water levels in the rivers, is of major importance for avifauna – and for passage migrants in particular. Cromford Canal, originally built as a transport route for the mills, is also now of importance for its aquatic flora. Small areas of the neighbouring Peak District’s Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas extend into this NCA. Biological and geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as local sites for nature conservation and geology, are also found within this NCA.

The area has many recreational facilities, including the newest of its reservoirs, Carsington Water, as well as the former towpath of the Cromford Canal and the famous Crich Tramway Village. The major transport corridors of the A6 and intercity railways run through the NCA, providing access but also intrusion from emissions, light and noise.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Protect and manage the adaptive capacity of this transitional National Character Area, and its geodiversity and biodiversity value. Manage and increase the broadleaved native woodland resource for multiple benefits including biodiversity, atmospheric carbon regulation, soil erosion, controlling water run-off and contributing to coherent habitat networks, while protecting intrinsic landscape character.

SEO 2

Protect, manage and plan for change to the area’s distinctive historic environment, including as a framework for sustainable development – also for the contribution that the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site makes to the local economy, for sustainable energy production and for climate change mitigation.

SEO 3

Manage the National Character Area’s recreational assets for multi-functional and accessible opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, sustainably serving local and sub-regional demand, and thus helping to manage wider visitor pressures on sensitive areas of the Peak District National Park.

SEO 4

Protect and enhance the rivers Derwent, Amber and Ecclesbourne (and their flood plains) – as well as the National Character Area’s reservoirs and more minor watercourses – for their role in providing a water supply and regulating water flow, and for their biodiversity, landscape and recreational value.