Tarmac renew Peak District partnership agreement

Volunteering initiative with Peak District National Park Authority extended by further five years

A SUCCESSFUL volunteering partnership between Tarmac and the Peak District National Park Authority is looking to the future by agreeing a five-year extension.

First formed in 2016, the initiative has seen employees from Tarmac’s Tunstead site rack up thousands of volunteering hours through ‘days of action’ within the Peak District National Park.

Work has included footpath repairs, replacing a bridge on the Pennine Way, drystone walling and the management of ancient hay meadows.

Supported by the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers Group, the Tarmac volunteers have also replaced benches and helped to improve a wildlife garden for a local school.

Following the success of the first five years, both Tarmac and the Peak District National Park Authority have now committed to continuing working together until at least 2026, which will see more Tarmac employees spending valuable volunteering hours supporting the restoration and development of the park.

Tarmac’s support also includes the ongoing funding of an engagement conservation volunteers assistant role, which involves co-ordinating volunteering activities throughout the park.

Pete Butterworth, stone and powders director at Tarmac’s Tunstead site, said: ‘We’re delighted to be able to continue our partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority.

‘The benefits of outdoor activity for physical and mental well-being have never been more in focus, following a year in which we have all had our lives restricted by the pandemic.

‘By sponsoring the engagement role, we also enable many people to get involved in practical projects which make a significant contribution to the maintenance and improvement of this beautiful area.’

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park, added: ‘To have secured what will ultimately be, by 2026, a decade of support from Tarmac in this our 70th anniversary year, is a wonderful addition to our birthday celebrations.

‘As we take our first steps out of the pandemic, the outdoors and engagement with nature will be key to everyone’s green recovery and our partnership with Tarmac is at the heart of offering these opportunities.

‘Whether it be local volunteers or those from Tarmac’s operations in and around the Peak District, the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers (PPCV) programme has built a respected reputation for providing a chance to give back to our national park.’