Robert Largan MP has welcomed the news that £440,000 in extra funding is being invested into the Peak District National Park to protect and conserve our natural environment and widen access to our scenic beauty spots, supporting tourism and growing the economy.

The Conservative Government has announced that all ten National Park Authorities will benefit from an equal share of the additional £4.4 million funding.

This announcement follows previous reports that National Park run visitor centres in villages such as Castleton and Edale are potentially facing closure.

However, this extra investment will specifically support services for visitors, including education and visitor centres, ranger services, new trails, residential programmes, and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy National Parks.

All ten National Park Authorities are being awarded the additional grant in recognition of the vital role that National Parks play to protect our precious wildlife, our world famous scenery, and support the tourism sector.

The new funding will support access and engagement programmes that are helping to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife of these protected landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

The Conservative Government has also confirmed that the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) scheme, delivered across 10 National Parks and 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 2021, has been extended until March 2025 to continue supporting custodianship of our world renowned natural heritage.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:

“The Peak District is a special place. We all have a duty to conserve it for future generations.

“I’m really pleased to have secured £440,000  for the Peak District National Park from the Conservative Government to support visitor and education centres and ranger services.

“I am holding a meeting with the Chief Executive of the National Park, where I will be seeking confirmation that this has now secured the future of our local visitor centres.”