52 - White Peak : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The White Peak National Character Area is a raised, undulating limestone plateau deeply incised with steep-sided limestone valleys. It has a strong sense of place arising from the effect of the underlying geology on landform and its influence on natural and manmade landscape features such as caves, crags, drystone walls and traditional buildings. The dales are of significant wildlife value, particularly because of their flower-rich limestone grassland and ash woodland, and many contain clean, clear rivers which support species such as white-clawed crayfish, bullhead, lamprey and dipper.

The plateau is rich in archaeology, from Neolithic burial mounds and stone circles, such as Minninglow and Arbor Low, to the remains of early lead workings. There are distinctive historical landscapes with well-preserved ridge and furrow and networks of field boundaries that fossilise medieval field systems around villages such as Chelmorton.

The settlement pattern is primarily of small nucleated villages and isolated farmsteads, along with the market towns of Buxton and Bakewell and the spa town of Matlock Bath. The majority of settlements are on the plateau, with a few small settlements centred on the 18th-century textile water mill buildings in the dales and the major towns in the valleys around the edge of the plateau. The area is particularly popular for recreation, with a good rights-of-way network and multi-user trails, such as the Monsal Trail and the Pennine Bridleway, and many opportunities for rock climbing, caving and fishing. It is easily accessible for a large population from surrounding urban areas and also receives visitors from all over the world.

In terms of ecosystem services, the area is particularly important for the provision of cultural services: sense of place/inspiration, sense of history, recreation, biodiversity and geodiversity. This is recognised by its inclusion in the Peak District National Park and the large number of European and national nature conservation, geological and heritage designations (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, World Heritage Sites and Scheduled Monuments).

Future challenges for the area relate particularly to development, industry, tourism and the spread of tree diseases. There will be continued pressure to meet the need for affordable local housing without compromising landscape and historic character or changing the nucleated settlement pattern. It is likely that the economic pressures on farming will continue to drive intensification and increase in farm size. The challenge will be to facilitate a thriving farming industry while enhancing its efficiency and environmental impact. The environmental pressures from active mining and quarrying industries may change according to commodity prices and site ownership but opportunities are presented through the restoration of decommissioned sites. Increased numbers of visitors are likely to put additional pressure on the infrastructure of the White Peak, with associated traffic issues and threats to tranquillity. The impact of tree diseases could be severe, particularly as the dale woodlands are so heavily dominated by ash. There is a pressing need for careful and comprehensive monitoring and for decisive and innovative action should certain tree diseases, particularly ash dieback, spread to the White Peak.

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 enhance the area’s clear limestone rivers, streams and springs, limestone aquifer and dramatic karst geology, to provide a source of clean water, support strong populations of fish and other wildlife, enhance recreational and educational opportunities and contribute to the White Peak’s strong sense of place and history.

SEO 2

Safeguard the unique character and tranquillity of the limestone dales, and enhance their limestone grasslands, woodlands and scrub of European importance, to protect sense of place, water quality, biodiversity and recreational opportunities.

SEO 3

Maintain and enhance the limestone plateau’s pastoral landscape with its distinctive pattern of drystone walls, dew ponds, archaeology and habitats such as hay meadows and limestone heaths, to allow a viable and sustainable farming industry that produces high-quality food and supports thriving rural communities.

SEO 4

Maintain and enhance opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of the White Peak’s distinctive limestone features and historical, cultural and natural heritage by providing recreational opportunities for a wide range of users and ensuring that new development makes a positive contribution to biodiversity, sense of place, sense of history, tranquillity and quality of life for local people and visitors.