The Peak District National Park Authority has warned it will still need to make savings - despite receiving a one-off Defra grant of £440,000. 

The funding is part of a £4.4 million package from Defra for England’s National Park Authorities being made in recognition of the vital role they play in protecting wildlife and landscapes and the importance they have for tourism, the regional economy, and public access. 

However, Phil Mulligan, chief executive of the PDNPA, while welcoming the one-off award said they still faced what is perhaps the most challenging time financially, and operationally, in the organisation’s history. 

He said: “Whilst a significant sum, it still represents less than ten per-cent of our annual Defra grant which continues to diminish in real-terms year-on-year due to an operating environment with continued inflationary and other pressures. 

“As a result, the funding will simply underpin some of the activities we have already undertaken in 2022 and so far in 2023 and, in turn, will support our programme of future investment as the Authority seeks to become a more affordable, financially resilient organisation. 

“Provided as a one-off grant, the funding will not be able to support some of the necessary ongoing savings the Authority will still need to make in the months and years ahead.” 

Andrew McCloy, chair of National Parks England, added: “National Parks account for almost 10% of England’s land area and have ambitious plans to deliver on Government targets for nature, climate, and public access. 

“We have been calling for the powers and resources needed to achieve this ambition. It’s vital that today’s announcement for this one-off funding is backed up by a commitment to support our National Parks in the long term.” 

The PDNPA state the grant funding is not limited or restricted to any specific project or area of the Authority’s work.  

High Peak MP Robert Largan, who has welcomed the extra funding hopes the funding will safeguard the future of the visitor centres in Castleton and Edale. 

He said the funding 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. 

“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.” 

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