Monday 13:53
A £4.7m project to restore large parts of the Peak District moors was demonstrating the effectiveness of striking the right balance between looking after the environment and promoting recreation and people's enjoyment of nature, Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight said today.
Mr Knight said that the Moors for the Future project had made excellent use of its Heritage Lottery Fund grant, both restoring 300 hectares of moorland that had been damaged by fires and repairing more than 19km of eroded paths, making it easier for people to access the area.
"These are the most visited moorlands in the world, so this project is an important investment in the future of the whole Peak District, where livelihoods depend on the health of the natural environment," he said.
"The moors here are popular for a reason - they are internationally important for wildlife as well as being a great natural resource, both for local people and for visitors from all over the world.
"That popularity might have caused problems for wildlife and habitats, but the sensitive and sensible approach being taken by the partners in this project ensures that the landscape, as well as the economy, is benefiting from tourism and recreation."
The moorland is also an internationally significant habitat for heather, blanket bog, and rush pasture. Most of the Peak District moors are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as falling within a European Special Protection Area.
"Significantly, the blanket peat bog on the moorlands is not only one of the world's rarest habitats - it also acts as a carbon sink to help counteract climate change," Mr Knight said.
Notes for Editors
1. Moors for the Future is a £4.7 million conservation partnership project to restore large parts of the internationally important Peak District Moors; raise awareness of their importance, and improve access. More information is available from http://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk.
2. The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
3. The project will:
* Restore and conserve moorland most damaged by access and recreational pressures;
* Enhance the moorland heritage experience for visitors and local people and encourage greater care of it; and
* Establish a learning centre to develop conservation expertise and provide a research and educational resource available to all.
Public enquiries 08459 335577; Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk Defra's aim is sustainable development
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