What is a Peak Partner? And why it matters to me…

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the Peak District.

It’s so close to where I grew up, where I’ve raised my family, and where I’ve spent countless hours walking, reflecting, and reconnecting with what matters. So when the opportunity came to support the Peak District National Park Foundation as a Bronze Peak Partner, it felt like the natural next step – both personally and professionally.

But what is a Peak Partner?

In simple terms, Peak Partners is a fund- and awareness-raising scheme run by the Peak District National Park Foundation. It brings together businesses and organisations who care about protecting the national park and gives them a way to help fund conservation, restoration and accessibility projects that will keep this special place thriving for generations to come.

Just some of the projects being supported under the Peak Partners scheme are:

·       Restoring and protecting fragile peatland ecosystems

·       Creating wildlife corridors to help native species thrive

·       Improving accessibility, so more people can enjoy the countryside

·       Supporting young people to connect with nature through education and outreach

·       Preserving cultural heritage sites and historic landscapes across the national park

By becoming a Peak Partner, you’re not just giving back to nature, you’re actively supporting it.

Why I chose to become a Peak Partner

Over the past year, I’ve worked with a wide range of businesses across the Peak District, helping them understand and reduce their environmental impact. A huge part of my work is about helping organisations find clarity and confidence in their sustainability journey – especially when they’re not sure where to start.

For me, becoming a Peak Partner is a way to lead by example.

I’ve spent so much time in these hills, valleys and moors – first as a child with my parents, then later with my own children – and this partnership feels like a meaningful way to give back to the place that’s shaped so much of who I am.

Peat bogs deserve more love

One of the things I love about the Peak District National Park Foundation is the work they do to restore peat bogs – something that’s often overlooked in favour of the more ‘Instagram-friendly’ projects like tree-planting.

But here’s the thing: healthy peat bogs are one of the most effective natural tools we have in the fight against climate change. They store more carbon than forests, help prevent flooding, and create unique and important habitats for plants and wildlife.

They might not have the aesthetic appeal of a new woodland trail or a wildflower meadow (both also projects the Foundation supports), but they’re quietly powerful – and absolutely vital. And for me, they have a rugged beauty to them that’s hard to ignore.

As someone who works in sustainability, I know how easy it is for businesses to get distracted by what looks good, rather than what has the biggest long-term impact. Supporting peatland restoration reminds me that doing the right thing doesn’t always come with a photo opportunity – and that’s OK.

Why supporting organisations like this matters

Environmental and heritage charities play a crucial role in protecting the places we love – especially now, as public funding continues to shrink. What little there is can only go so far.

These organisations often work behind the scenes, quietly going about doing the long-term, hands-on work that keeps our landscapes healthy, accessible and alive with history.

By supporting them through schemes like Peak Partners, we’re not just ticking a CSR box – we’re investing in something much bigger than our businesses.

Business and nature: we’re all connected

Becoming a Peak Partner has deepened my sense of purpose in the work I do. It’s reminded me that sustainability isn’t just about carbon footprints and compliance – it’s about care. Care for our communities. For our shared spaces. For our past. And for the future we’re all building, whether we realise it or not.

As a business owner, I believe we all have a role to play – no matter our size, industry or location. The more we connect our actions to the landscapes we live and work in, the more meaningful and lasting those actions become.

For me, this is just one more way I can try and be my best version – and help others do the same.

For more about Peak Partners, including how to get involved, visit the Peak District National Park Foundation’s website.