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CONSERVATION OF THE LANDSCAPE English Nature (formerly the Nature Conservancy Council) can notify a piece of land which is of particular interest for nature conservation, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Landowners must discuss and agree management of land within SSSIs with English Nature. There are SSSIs covering around 30% of the Peak Park. In 1988, The North Peak ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area) was created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF) . The South West Peak ESA was created in 1992. Through ESAs, MAFF encourages farmers and landowners, especially in moorland areas, to manage the land in ways which conserve and enhance the landscape, the wildlife and historic features. This is done through 5 year agreements. Encouragement to conserve the landscape is also provided by the Farm Conservation Scheme which is run by the National Park Authority. Through this scheme, farmers are encouraged, by grants, to retain unimproved fields and to maintain traditional field boundaries. The Countryside Stewardship Scheme, set up in 1996, extends the system of grants for conservation projects. Through this scheme, all landowners and land managers are offered payments to enhance and conserve the landscapes, their wildlife and history and to help people to enjoy them. Agreements usually run for 10 years. The aim is to make conservation a part of farming and land managment practice. The Woodland Grant Scheme (1997) aims to encourage the creation and management of woodland, by providing money to help towards the cost of the work. Legislation also has a part to play in conservation. Many birds and animals are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981. Badgers and their setts have special protection as a result of several Badger Acts. Under the Hedgerow Regulations of 1997, it is against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows without permission. Other ways of achieving conservation include ownership or management of the land by a conservation body. Padley Gorge is owned by the National Trust. The Peak Park Authority owns land on the Eastern Moors, North Lees, the Roaches and the Warslow Moors. English Nature and the voluntary Wildlife Trusts manage a number of nature reserves.
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are managed by English Nature to conserve nationally important examples of habitats, flora, fauna or geology. Derbyshire Dales NNR is made up of parts of 5 scattered limestone dales. All have public paths through them. Lathkill Dale has outstanding ash woodlands, limestone grasslands, the River Lathkill plus Karst and cave systems. Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve
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