Robert Largan MP says we all have a duty to protect the Peak District

And we have a duty to help conserve this heritage for future generations.

It’s really important for both our mental and physical well-being that we’re able to get out and enjoy the countryside in these difficult times.

But we all have a duty to follow the rules so we can protect the Peak District and control the spread of the virus.

Sadly, there have been reports of visitors who have not treated the Peak District and its communities with the respect they deserve.

Many constituents have been in touch to raise their concerns about the use of barbecues, specifically incidents of disposable barbecues being left behind, which is extremely dangerous.

We’ve already seen fires in Bamford Moor and Swineshaw Reservoir.

It is very simple, please do not use barbecues or naked flames in the Peak District.

Retailers have been asked to stop selling them and you can do your bit by following the rules and not bringing these dangerous fire hazards into the area.

Social distancing remains essential to the national effort against the virus and we have to keep at it if we want to prevent the return of restrictions on our outdoor movements.

Conservation and the welfare of the Peak District has been an essential part of my work since becoming MP for High Peak.

My very first question in Parliament highlighted the importance of restoring our peatlands in order to reduce fire risk and tackle climate change and the funding for peatland restoration announced in the budget was a welcome boost.

Conserving the environment is not a peripheral problem, it is one of the central challenges of our time.

In Parliament, I am doing what I can to raise awareness and make the case for the environment and our beautiful countryside.

But everyone in the High Peak has a responsibility to respect and care for the environment in the Peak District.

If we work together, we can leave our countryside and our planet in a much better place for the next generation.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.