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TOURISM
The Derwent valley has been popular since the opening of the turnpike roads and the development of coaching routes. The Peak District National Park Visitor Survey of 1986/87 found that around 1.25 million people visit the general area each ear and on a summer Sunday there may be up to 4,000 people and 600 parked cars. Until 1981 there was little provision for visitors in the valley. The roads were often congested on busy weekends causing chaos and problems of access for local farmers, foresters and emergency services.
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Car Park and picnic area at Fairholmes
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Reducing problems of congestion:
1. Traffic-free roads. Roads north of Fairholmes are closed to motor traffic at peak times and to coaches all the time. A minibus is provided. The road east from Fairholmes is closed to non-local motor traffic.
2. Six new and improved car parks for 450 cars and 3 coaches have been provided, including one at Fairholmes (200 cars).
3 Bus services from surrounding towns and cities have been improved.
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Cycle Hire
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Valley Bus Service |
Wildlife Conservation:
A detailed ecological survey was carried out and recommendations for conservation are being implemented.
Conserving the distinctive character of the area:
1. Landscape improvement schemes have included the removal of concrete post and wire fencing.
2. A tree planting scheme has increased broadleaved plantations and improved the appearance of the landscape.
3. Views across the reservoir have been opened up in the woodland.
Improving Facilities for Recreation:
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| Visitor Centre at Fairholmes |
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| Ranger liasing with local Police |
2. Cycle hire was established with a new permanent building opened in 1987. Around 15,000 cycles are now hired each year.
3. A full-time ranger, employed jointly by the National Park Authority and Severn Trent Water was appointed to carry out liaison with local farmers, landowners and visitors.
4. New and improved footpaths were made and waymarked from the car park at Fairholmes, including a section for wheelchairs. 12 miles of new concessionary routes were agreed.
5. Boat fishing is allowed and there is now a well-established and popular trout fishery. A platform has been built for disabled anglers at Ladybower. Sub aqua diving also takes place at Ladybower.
6. Attractive information boards interpreting popular features and sites have been provided.
Providing recreation facilities is not always plain sailing ......
Wrangle on Reservoir
In 1981 proposals to allow sailing on Ladybower reservoir met stiff opposition. Ladybower Sailing Club (formed in 1980) made a planning application to the Peak District National Park Authority to build a sailing club on the northern arm of the reservoir. Opponents, including the National Trust the Nature Conservancy Council (now English Nature) and the Ramblers Association argued that important species of ducks, and other birds could be driven away. A beautiful landscape could also be ruined. The application was refused.
An appeal was made in 1984 against the planning decision not to allow the sailing club on the northern arm of the reservoir. A further proposal for a base on the southern arm was put forward. Severn Trent Water opposed this as it was considered an unsafe site and would conflict with other recreational activities in the area. The appeal was dismissed and it was decided that no site for sailing could be found on the Ladybower reservoir.
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| POINTS TO CONSIDER | ||||
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