BMC representatives met with senior Peak Park officials this morning (Tuesday 8 October) to discuss the long-term management of Stanage now that the Park Authority has decided to retain ownership of the wider North Lees Estate.

Following the BMC’s recent ‘Stand up for Stanage’ online petition which received over 15,500 signatures in less than a month, BMC Peak Area access reps Henry Folkard and Adam Long and BMC CEO Dave Turnbull met with the National Park CEO Jim Dixon and Assistant Director Mary Bagley for a wide-ranging discussion centred around the fact that National Park budgets are being slashed and ways have to be found to fund the long-term management and upkeep of Stanage, the campsite and the surrounding farmland and buildings that make up the North Lees Estate. 

Amongst the more substantive considerations on the table are the possible establishment of a ‘Friends of Stanage’ fundraising initiative alongside a new Charitable Trust which would hold monies raised for sole use on North Lees.  The idea of a Stanage Climbing & Walking Festival - to be held in 2014 as part of the BMC’s 70th anniversary celebrations - was also greeted with enthusiasm by the Park officials, so watch this space on this one. 

It was also clear from the meeting that improving the financial return from the campsite is a key consideration for the Park Authority.  From a climber’s perspective North Lees has one of the most conveniently situated and idyllic campsites in the country, and if you’ve never stayed there the BMC would highly recommend it.  Bill and Flo, the local National Park Rangers who run the site have been the friends of climbers for many years and will be sure to give you a warm welcome.

North Lees Campsite information

The BMC also pointed out to the Park Authority that support for practical work at Stanage, such as footpath repair, fencing and stone walling, may be possible via the BMC Access & Conservation Trust, which was set up to support just such works.

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