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Our Centenary
Our centenary year was not just about celebration; it was about gratitude – gratitude for Ethel Haythornthwaite’s foresight, for the people who have supported us, and for the beautiful countryside we are privileged to protect.
100 Years of Countryside Care
Since our founding in 1924, we’ve been championing the protection of our local landscapes, staying true to the vision of our remarkable founder, Ethel Haythornthwaite. Her influence is woven into the landscapes of the Peak District and South Yorkshire. In fact, it’s hard to visit a corner of the Peak District without seeing her legacy. Yet, many people are unaware of who she was and just how pivotal her work has been in shaping the places we love and enjoy today.
Some of her key achievements include:
- Sheffield Green Belt: Ethel played a pivotal role in creating Britain’s first green belt around Sheffield, ensuring the preservation of farms and woodlands.
- Peak District National Park: She was a key figure in the establishment of Britain’s first national park in 1951, advocating for the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949.
- Longshaw Estate: Ethel led a public appeal to save the 747-acre Longshaw Estate from development, which was gifted to the National Trust in 1931.
As a leading countryside charity, we stand for a countryside that enriches all of our lives, regenerating our wellbeing, and that we in turn regenerate, protect and celebrate.
Celebrating our Centenary
In 2024, we proudly celebrated 100 years of countryside care, paying tribute to the remarkable legacy of Ethel and Gerald Haythornthwaite through a series of events, activities, and by sharing the rich stories of our achievements over the decades.
As a charity that relies on donations, we’re particularly grateful to everyone who contributed to our Centenary Fund so that we can continue to safeguard the natural beauty of the countryside.
Alongside celebrating our centenary milestone, we’ve continued to advocate for responsible land use, engage in Local Plan Consultations, and challenge unsustainable development, including road-building projects. Our efforts to promote rooftop solar and affordable housing reflect our commitment to sustainable, community-driven solutions. And, tackling the climate change remains at the heart of our work.
Key activity
As we reflect on the last 100 years, we are inspired to continue our work with the same passion and determination, ensuring that our local landscapes continue to thrive for future generations.
Many of the threats to the natural beauty of the countryside, such as road building, transport infrastructure, and housing developments, would be all too familiar to Ethel.
But today, the countryside faces an increasing number of challenges and competing pressures that continue to threaten its sustainability. As we look to the future, the countryside’s role in addressing key challenges like the climate, nature, and housing crises becomes increasingly crucial. It’s essential that we continue our efforts to protect and enhance the countryside, whilst nurturing a future where both people and nature thrive.
Together, we can continue Ethel’s vision of a countryside that is accessible, protected, and treasured by all.
