A century of work to protect the Peak District and South Yorkshire countryside

Throughout 2024, we invite you to celebrate 100 years of work to protect and enhance the Peak District and South Yorkshire countryside.

As we embark on our Centenary year we renew our commitment to protect and enhance the countryside for all to enjoy.

The charity was founded by Ethel Haythornthwaite in May 1924 when she established the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery, also known as the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Local Countryside. This went on to become the local branch of CPRE in 1927.

Ethel was instrumental in developing the Green Belt around Sheffield in 1938 and designating the Peak District as the first national park in 1951. The pioneering environmentalist also led a public appeal to buy the Longshaw Estate, which was threatened with development, so that it could be preserved and enjoyed by everyone.

As a leading environmental charity, we continue to play an essential role in safeguarding the environment and the landscapes of the Peak District and South Yorkshire countryside. The charity’s network of volunteers, staff, trustees and partner organisations are dedicated to promoting, enhancing and protecting countryside and greenspaces so that everyone can enjoy them, both now and in the future.

CEO of CPRE PDSY, Tomo Thompson comments: ‘We know that a thriving countryside enriches all of our lives and it is our mission to ensure that the countryside and greenspaces are protected and cared for so that they can be enjoyed by everyone. As we reflect on the charity’s Centenary milestone, we celebrate our founder, the pioneering environmentalist Ethel Haythornthwaite and all those who have championed her incredible legacy and continued her work over the last 100 years.

Today, as we face increasing challenges from climate change our work is more important than ever. We are proud to renew our commitment to promote, enhance and protect the countryside and greenspaces so that they can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.’

We have a range of events planned to celebrate the Centenary and welcome anyone who shares our love of the Peak District and South Yorkshire to join us. Visit www.cprepdsy.org.uk to find out more about the charity’s work, how to support us and get involved in the Centenary year.

About Ethel
Ethel was born Ethel Mary Bassett Ward on 18th January 1894, in Endcliffe Vale House, which stood in the grounds of what is now the student village.

She and her husband Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Haythornthwaite ran the Charity for many years from their family home with Ethel acting as the group’s honorary secretary from 1924 until 1980.