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Supply and Conservation

Modern
20th – 21st centuries
4 generations ago to now

Since the 1950s pressure on agricultural productivity has lead to more large-scale intensive farming than before

Radical changes have taken place during the second half of the 20th century, with farming and traditional industries declining in importance as the mainstays of local communities. Demands for increased agricultural efficiency have created a pressure for larger farm holdings and fields.

Some farms have been abandoned, land amalgamated with neighbours and walls removed. Farmers have also diversified their businesses to replace falling agricultural incomes with revenue from tourism by converting some farm buildings into holiday accommodation or creating campsites and cafes.

There is an increasing number of commuters and retired people living in the region. The trend for second homes and tourist accommodation coupled with declining traditional industry and farming has further fragmented communities.

Finding Clues

Derwent Reservoir is one of many in the region supplying water to neighbouring cities

The supply of raw materials has dramatically increased in scale to supply cities, industries and road building with large stone quarries and reservoirs significantly altering the landscape. The combination of valleys and large rainfall make the region an ideal place for reservoirs to supply the needs of nearby cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham. Ladybower, Goyt and Carsington are large reservoirs built in the 20th century which have flooded extensive areas.

Are these walkers looking out for the gamekeeper?

In the first half of the 20th century many groups in society for the first time had an increased amount of leisure time and the Peak District became accessible from surrounding cities through private and public transport. This sometimes leads to conflicts with landowners who used their moorlands for grouse shooting. The demand for rambling and access to moorlands lead to the Mass Trespass on Kinder in 1932 followed by another in the Upper Derwent.

A millstone symbolises the National Park border

The Peak District National Park, the first in the country, was designated in 1951. In the late 20th century there have been growing concerns about the region reaching carrying capacity. The impact of too many visitors in some areas is decidedly negative, with congestion and erosion being major issues.

Since the 1980s, there has been a greater emphasis on conservation of the Peak District landscape through agri-environment schemes and sustainable tourism. An increased interest in archaeology, local history and heritage has developed as ‘new’ local communities seek a sense of identity.

For more information:

search the archive

go to the factsheets on Peak District National Park, Mineral Extraction, Conservation

go to the FAQs. (links)

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