The Peak District National Park Authority is asking for people’s views on what they want to see from a new partnership on the Roaches.

The Authority has had nine expressions of interest in its 975 acre (394 ha) estate near Leek, a popular climbing and walking area protected by law for the value of its wildlife and landscape.

The Authority has set out draft objectives for how it wants to see the Roaches protected and enhanced by any new partner, which it has sent for consultation to local councils, neighbours and interest groups.

It is asking anyone with an interest for comments and any additional key questions they would ask of the potential bidders if they are not already covered.

The deadline for people’s replies is January 14 2011.

The final version of these objectives will be drawn up in the light of this feedback.

Following that, probably in February, the objectives will be sent to the interested parties, who will be asked for details of how they propose to fulfil them.

The Authority will then decide which partner could provide the best outcome for the future of the Roaches, including conserving its wildlife, heritage and landscape, ensuring open access, increasing understanding of its special qualities, looking after its farmland to high conservation standards and managing traffic. Shooting rights are specifically excluded.

The nine interested parties are a mixture of environmental and land management organisations and individuals, some proposing a lease, some a purchase.

People can see the draft objectives and give their comments by visiting their website.
 

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