MP welcomes 3,500 trees coming to High Peak 

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has welcomed a significant extension to the government-sponsored LIFE in the Ravines project, pledging 3,500 native trees to be planted across High Peak. 

This local contribution forms part of a national initiative that has already seen 84,000 native trees planted within the dales of the Peak District to counter the devastating effects of ash dieback disease. 

The LIFE in the Ravines project - backed by £5 million in funding and delivered in partnership with Natural England, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, and Chatsworth Estate - has succeeded in restoring up to 25 % of the most severely damaged ravine woodlands since its launch in 2020. 

Building on this success, the new High Peak scheme will support local reforestation efforts by establishing diverse, climate-resilient woodlands, including lime species and wych elm, that are particularly well-suited to the limestone ravines of our region. 

Jon Pearce MP said:  
 
“This is a fantastic development for High Peak. I’m passionate about safeguarding are local environment and these 3,500 native trees will help restore our local ravine woodlands, strengthen biodiversity, and safeguard our cherished landscapes for future generations. I’m proud that High Peak is playing its part in such a pioneering restoration effort.” 

Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: 
 
“Planting 3,500 native trees in High Peak will make a real difference - restoring ancient woodland, improving biodiversity, and bringing nature closer to local communities. It’s also an important step in tackling ash dieback and building climate resilience across the region. 

“I’m confident we can meet our ambitious national tree-planting goals. Projects like this give me confidence that, by working together with local communities, landowners, and conservation groups, we will.” 

The High Peak planting will commence in autumn 2025, aligned with the final phase of the broader LIFE in the Ravines work. It will include species sourced locally to ensure resilience in the challenging limestone terrain of the area. The initiative also forms part of wider environmental priorities - supporting biodiversity, enhancing carbon sequestration, and fostering stronger community connection to our natural heritage.