The public are being invited to contribute their views to a 10-year 'vision' that will help guide how the Stanage and North Lees estate is managed.

The Peak District National Park Authority, which owns the 545-hectare estate, is issuing an open invitation to share ideas at a meeting on Saturday March 29.

Last September the Authority voted unanimously to retain ownership of the estate as a public asset, following concerns expressed by climbers and walkers, among others, that it might be sold off (see UKC news here).

Now they are working with the Stanage Forum, a voluntary group of local people and recreational users, and other interested parties, to create a new management plan for the estate, of which the vision will be the first stage.

Mary Bagley, assistant director for enterprise and field services, who lives in Hathersage, said:

'We’d encourage anyone who is interested in this beautiful area to come along and get involved in creating a new vision that will guide us over the next 10 years. Help us start this process off by giving us your suggestions.'

'This estate is special to millions of people in many different ways – it has a world-class climbing edge, rich natural habitats, a working farm, woodlands, a campsite, historic buildings, archaeological sites and some of the most spectacular views in the UK.'

'We want to hear why it is important to people, what issues they think the estate will face over the next 10 years, and how we can work together to sustain the estate environmentally, recreationally and financially to give it the best possible future.'

The meeting takes place on March 29, 2pm-5pm, in Hathersage Memorial Hall, Oddfellows Road S32 1DU. Refreshments will be available and the meeting will be independently facilitated.

If you can't make the meeting you can still give your views online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Stanage-Vision