Peak District National Park: 73 years of conservation and heritage

In 1932, the Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout set the stage for the creation of the UK’s national parks. This pivotal event paved the way for the establishment of the Peak District National Park, which celebrates its anniversary today.

The Mass Trespass saw 400 ramblers convene at Bowden Bridge Quarry in Hayfield to assert their right to access the land for walking. However, they were met with resistance from gamekeepers, resulting in scuffles and the imprisonment of five trespassers. Undeterred, the demonstrators pressed on, continuing along the path through William Clough and receiving support from other ramblers who had arrived via Kinder and Edale Cross.

In the years following the trespass, the principle of national parks gained momentum. In 1949, the Government passed an Act of Parliament to formally establish National Parks. Two years later, in 1951, the Peak District became the first national park, setting a precedent for the creation of numerous others throughout the rest of the decade, including the Lake District, the North York Moors, and Exmoor.

Over the past 73 years, the Peak District National Park Authority has worked tirelessly to conserve and protect the park's natural and cultural heritage. Through initiatives such as habitat restoration, wildlife conservation programs, and sustainable tourism practices, efforts have been made to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the park's beauty.