New £5 million project to save woodlands in the Peak District

The Life in the Ravines partnership project, led by Natural England, will tackle the threat that ash dieback poses to the forested river valleys of Derbyshire.

The Peak District’s scenic ravines are treasured by locals and visitors alike, especially during the pandemic where more people have been seeking solace in nature.

The project will save several woodlands, including the iconic five dales of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, such as the well-visited Lathkill. All the sites are part of the Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation, recognised as of international importance.

Natural England’s chief executive Marian Spain, said: “I’m so pleased that we are able to work together to support nature’s recovery. This innovative project will help restore the landscape and wildlife of this much-loved area of the country following the devastation of ash die back. That means people who live and visit the Peak District will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the woodland habitats once again and for generations to come.”

Ash dieback disease, caused by a fungus lethal to ash trees, arrived in the Peak District in 2015. The ravine forests of the Peak District are dominated by ash, so the whole woodland area could be devastated without intervention.

The woods already have high levels of infection and have lost mature trees. The loss of ash threatens all the woodland wildlife, from rare beetles and moths to birds such as redstarts.

Life in the Ravines will help 900 hectares of forest survive this threat with a programme of tree planting and woodland management.

The project will pioneer some specialist techniques, including using drones for the first time in the Peak District to aid planting on the steep, rocky slopes of the Dales.

Dave Savage, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust regional manager, said: “We are really excited to be involved in this scheme to reduce the impact of this potentially devastating disease.

"This project will have a dramatic impact on the wildlife in the woodlands, increasing the diversity of trees but also the biodiversity of the woodlands themselves.”