Restoring and Enhancing Upland Habitats in the Peak District

As we celebrate a century of countryside care, we are pleased to share the latest update on our Centenary Tree Planting Programme.

Through our Centenary Tree Planting scheme we will plant 100 trees in the moorlands that surround Sheffield – that’s one tree for every year CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire (CPRE PDSY) has worked to preserve and enhance the countryside.

It’s a tribute to our founder, Ethel Haythornthwaite, who was a prominent environmentalist in Sheffield and a trailblazer of the countryside movement nationally. Through her environmental campaigning, she led public appeals to acquire land and protect the moors from plans to build swathes of houses over the ‘breathing spaces’ of Sheffield.

Tomo Tompson, CPRE PDSY CEO tells us more “As part of our Centenary Tree planting, we’ll return to our roots, focusing the Peak District locations that our charity has been involved with from the very beginning. It’s is a simple yet powerful way to nurture nature, ensuring that our local landscapes continue to thrive for future generations. It’s also a heartfelt tribute to our founder, Ethel Haythornthwaite. Her pioneering efforts spearheaded the creation of the Peak District National Park, the establishment of green belts, and the safeguarding of green spaces. By celebrating Ethel’s legacy, we are continuing her work to enhance the landscapes she cared for so deeply.”

Help us plant a green legacy

Centenary Tree Planting Programme

Through our Centenary Tree Planting we will restore and maintain trees across the Eastern and Burbage Moors which are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Whilst the area boasts a diverse mix of heather moorland, acid grassland, blanket bog and woodland, some trees struggle to thrive. That’s why our Centenary Tree Planting programme focuses on spots where natural regrowth is limited. To help make our tree planting efforts as effective and impactful as possible, we will focus on:

1. Planting succession trees: Beside dead or dying moorland trees where no natural regeneration is taking place
2. Woodland edge planting: Around existing plantations to enhance biodiversity
3. Woodland corridor planting: To improve connectivity for wildlife
4. Guarding existing trees: Protecting vulnerable trees from bark stripping and browsing – two behaviours commonly exhibited by deer that can significantly impact woodland health and tree growth

We will collaborate closely with the Eastern Moors Partnership, the organisation that manages the Eastern Moors, to plant the trees for our centenary milestone. Native species such as Rowan, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Grey/Goat Willow and Sissle Oak have been selected to help increase structural and species diversity.

Through studying historic OS maps the project has highlighted the optimal areas for tree planting due to a lack of natural regeneration. Berry-bearing shrubs and trees will comprise the bulk of the species mixture. Rowan, a species favoured by deer, will be included and protected appropriately.

Particularly on Big Moor, natural regeneration is limited, especially in areas where iconic moorland trees are dying, and there is a lack of recruitment due to dense vegetation restricting seed establishment and browsing by cattle and deer.

Enhancing local landscapes

As well as being an SSSI, the Eastern Moors are recognised as a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its diverse bird species. This designation highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing the habitats within this unique landscape. So, in addition to celebrating our heritage, the Centenary Tree Planting Programme will:

• mitigate the climate emergency: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This process helps combat climate change and promotes cleaner air.
• improving woodland connectivity: By planting trees in strategic locations, we can create corridors that allow wildlife to move more freely.
• create habitats for wildlife: by planting tress we will create additional nesting and foraging opportunities for various bird species, such as the Willow Tit, Blue Tit, and Chaffinches.

Why we’ve chosen these locations: Inspired by Ethel

The Eastern Moors, located on the south-west fringes of Sheffield, hold special significance for our charity. After the loss of her first husband, Ethel Haythornthwaite found solace in the National Park, enjoying restorative walks, inspired by the natural beauty of the countryside. In doing so, she recognised the profound benefits of nature on well-being and believed that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, thriving countryside. It’s the reason our Centenary Tree Planting programme will focus on the Eastern Moors and Burbage Valley, including locations like Lady Cannings and Barbrook near Owler Bar.

Our planting locations are also close to an important part of the Peak District which Ethel Haythornthwaite heroically saved from inappropriate development in the 1920s – the Longshaw Estate. After leading a successful campaign to purchase the estate, she gifted it to the National Trust so it could be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come. More recently, to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we planted trees at the Longshaw Estate as part of our ongoing commitment to preserve and enhance local landscapes across the Peak District and South Yorkshire.

Help us plant a green legacy, for Ethel

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has given a financial gift to help bring this project to life, so far.

In particular, we thank the Sheffield 1000 Club for their generous donation of £1000. With their support, we can create thriving habitats for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and tackle the climate crisis.

However, we still urgently need donations to achieve our goals.

Donate to our Centenary Tree Planting

We’re also offering a limited number of Corporate Volunteer Days to organisations who share our values and would like to join us to plant trees, shrubs and mosses. Contact mail@cprepdsy.org.uk to find out more.