The Peak District- An In depth study
WHAT PROBLEMS DOES TOURISM BRING?
Between 16.2 and 20 million visits are made by car to the Peak District National Park every year and another 1.5 million visits made by public transport. Visits by Peak Park residents or other visitors on foot, account for another 1.2 million whilst a further 3 - 3.6 million people drive through the Park just to admire the scenery.
Congestion of Villages and Beauty Spots.
90% of visits to the Park are made by car. Some of the most popular honeypot areas attract large numbers of visitors. resulting in overcrowded car parks, blocked roads, and overstretched local facilities - particularly on Summer Sundays.
Erosion of Footpaths and Sensitive Vegetation
There are over 3,000 footpaths in the Peak Park and heavy use of the most popular paths has led to considerable erosion. Particularly heavy wear is caused by sponsored walks and by horse riding on unsurfaced bridleways.
Damage and Disturbance to Wildlife
Wildlife may be disturbed by the level of use on some of the 200 square kilometres of moorland which is open to the public. Moorland birds (and sandpipers on the banks of streams and reservoirs) nest and roost on the ground and are therefore specially sensitive. Orienteering, mountain biking and hang gliding are likely to cause unexpected disturbance.
Litter
Litter of all kinds is both unsightly and can cause pollution, damage to livestock and wild animals. Broken glass is a danger to people and a possible cause of fire.
Damage to Farmland
Trampling crops of grass reduces the amount of winter feed for farm animals. Walkers who stray from footpaths may climb over the drystone walls rather than looking out for the stiles which mark the course of footpaths across farmland. Livestock can come to grief if gates are left open, allowing them to stray. Many sheep are injured and even killed by dogs not under proper control.
