Stanage Forum

A chance to have your say

The Stanage Forum is a groundbreaking process which began back in 2000. It has found agreement on how to manage one of the best loved areas of countryside in the UK, by consensus with all of its many stakeholders.

The area in question is the Stanage / North Lees Estate near Hathersage in Derbyshire, which is owned by the Peak District National Park Authority. The Forum provides opportunities for everyone to become involved in its management.

The first two years were spent agreeing a new ten year Estate Management Plan, which was launched in October 2002. The Plan was regarded as a terrific success because it achieved the impossible in agreeing ways forward on every issue raised (over 150 objectives in all), many of which had been areas of serious conflict in the past.

The Plan is not set in stone and the Forum process now provides the opportunity for people to get involved as it is put into practice and constantly monitored, evaluated and adjusted to meet its aims and objectives.

By involving people in the management plan we hope to keep the area special by building a sense of joint ownership. The shared vision for the new management plan is:

To care for and enjoy Stanage / the North Lees Estate in a way which respects and enhances wildlife, heritage and landscape.

For the latest information see the news page.

For details of what's happened so far and meeting reports see the progress page.

For details of the next annual Forum and other open meetings / walks / talks see the events page.

How to get involved

Come to the annual Forum which is a public event, open to everyone. These are not typical public meetings but use innovative workshop techniques to genuinely involve those attending in the decision making process.

Contact a member of the Steering Group who most closely represents your area of interest

Put your views on the Have Your Say discussion board

Contact the Stanage Forum co-ordinator, Matthew Croney.