Nature Boost: 3,500 Native Trees to Be Planted Across High Peak

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has welcomed a major reforestation boost for the region, with 3,500 native trees set to be planted as part of a national expansion of the LIFE in the Ravines project.

The newly announced planting scheme will begin in autumn 2025, helping to restore limestone ravine woodlands that have been severely impacted by ash dieback disease. The trees will include resilient native species such as large-leaved lime, small-leaved lime, and wych elm, selected specifically for the unique conditions of the High Peak landscape.

This local effort forms part of a wider conservation initiative that has already seen 84,000 trees planted across the Peak District since 2020. Backed by £5 million in EU LIFE funding, the project is being delivered in partnership with Natural England, the National Trust, Derbyshire and Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts, and the Chatsworth Estate.

Welcoming the announcement, Jon Pearce MP said:

“This is a fantastic development for High Peak. I’m passionate about safeguarding our local environment, and these 3,500 native trees will help restore our ravine woodlands, strengthen biodiversity, and protect 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 Defra, also praised the expansion of the LIFE in the Ravines project:

“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 marks the final phase of the LIFE in the Ravines programme, which aims to restore up to 25% of the most severely affected ravine woodland habitats. As well as supporting local biodiversity, the initiative contributes to national goals around carbon capture, habitat resilience, and public engagement with nature.

The full planting effort covers areas including Cramside, Cheedale, Millers Dale, and Vicar Gellia ravines.

More on the wider project:
Peak District ravine woodlands restored with 84,000 trees – GOV.UK