Tarmac renews partnership agreement with the Peak District National Park

Tarmac and the Peak District National Park Authority have agreed a five-year extension to their successful volunteering partnership.
May 5, 2021
By Guy Woodford
Celebrating the renewal of the volunteering partnership
Celebrating the renewal of the volunteering partnership, Peak District National Park chief executive Sarah Fowler joins Tarmac Tunstead's stone and powders director Pete Butterworth during a drystone walling day at Brunts Barn

First formed in 2016, the initiative has seen employees from Tarmac's Tunstead site in Derbyshire, central England, 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.

Based on the partnership's success, both Tarmac and the Peak District National Park Authority have now committed to continuing working together until at least 2026. This will see more Tarmac employees spend valuable volunteering hours supporting the restoration and development of the renowned park.

Tarmac's support also includes the ongoing funding of an engagement conservation volunteers assistant role, coordinating 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 wellbeing have never been more in focus, following a year in which we have all had our lives restricted by the pandemic.  

Peak District National Park chief executive Sarah Fowler
Peak District National Park chief executive Sarah Fowler (centre) joins Tarmac Tunstead's stone and powders director Pete Butterworth (right) on a volunteering day to celebrate the renewal of the volunteering partnership between the two organisations.

"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. We look forward to welcoming many more people to a hands-on taste of our wonderful Peak District."

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