7 ways to celebrate the Peak District National Park’s Birthday
Did you know it is the Peak District National Park’s 70th Birthday this Saturday 17th April. I wanted to share a few ways you can help celebrate in the kindest way possible for our National Park.
The Peak District National Park was the first area to become a National Park so we are officially the oldest national park in the UK.
70 years ago the first UK National Park was born, after years of mass trespasses and campaigning to the government to allow greater access to the countryside.
I feel so privileged to have the Peak District on my doorstep and I sometimes forget how lucky I am to have such incredible countryside just a short drive or walk away.
I grew up in the middle of the Peak District and I’m not sure I really appreciated it until I left and returned after a few years in London. Now, every day I step into the Peak District I soak in its beauty and all it has to offer for our planet and our wellbeing.
To celebrate ‘our’ birthday I wanted to share a few ways you can give back or help celebrate the Peak District National Park’s Birthday.
7 Ways to Celebrate the Peak District National Park’s Birthday
There are so many ways to celebrate the National Park’s birthday. Not least by looking after it and remembering how important our natural world is.
The Peak District brings so many benefits. It is one of the biggest carbon sinks in the UK, great for helping climate change, and I think we’ve all learnt the benefits of the natural world for our mental health over recent years.
We need to continue to look after our National Park so it can be enjoyed by everyone, forever. Here are a few ways to you can help support our national park and celebrate too!
1. Run for the Birds
Peak Running has organised an epic running (or walking) event to celebrate our birthday. You can do as little as 1km a day or as much as 10km and donate to support the Peak District too.
I’ve written all about Run for the Birds and how you can get involved.
2. Organise a Fundraiser
The Peak District National Park Foundation is always looking for people who are interested in setting up a fundraiser. It could be a bake sale or an epic cycling challenge or whatever you want.
You can quickly set up your own fundraising page and make sure you let the Peak District Foundation know so they can help promote your fundraiser too.
3. Become a Peak Partner
If you’re a business or think your organisation might be interested in supporting the Peak District, the Peak Partner scheme is a great way to give back and get something in return too.
My business Feel Good Do Good is a Silver Partner and we can’t recommend it enough. More businesses of all sizes are joining up every month. If you’re a silver or bronze partner you even get a team volunteering day!
Find out more about the Peak Partner Scheme.
4. Download a Virtual Peak District Background
Phil Sproson kindly donated some of his photography and turned his gorgeous photos of the Peak District into virtual backgrounds. So why not download a virtual background and share your love of the Peak District on all your Zoom calls!
Let me know if you sing Happy Birthday too!
5. Read all about the Peak District
There’s loads to learn about our National Park, not least the best places and ways to enjoy it.
The Peak District Authority has shared lots of facts and figures about the Peak District. Have a look and see what you can learn. They are also sharing 70 stories across the year from different people connected with the National Park.
6. Visit the Peak District Safely and Sustainably
You might not be close to the Peak District, but if you are come and say Happy Birthday in person. There are soo many walks and adventures to be had.
If you’re visiting the Peak District make sure you look after yourselves and the park while you’re here. Even in the last two weeks, since more people returned to the park, there has been a huge increase in litter. Take your litter home folks, no one wants a mess left on their birthday.
7. Donate
If you can, why not buy the Peak District a birthday present. Donate to the Peak District National Park Foundation and every penny you donate goes to projects within the park.
There’s many different ways you can donate to us on the Foundation’s website or just follow this direct donation link.
Hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas of how you can celebrate the Peak District National Park’s birthday. Let me know if you have any other ideas.
