Walking on riverside footpath under broad leaved trees

Looking After

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

The work of the Authority
How we make decisions, the role of Members and staff.
Current consultations
We want your opinions on these consultations
Ranger service
What our rangers and volunteers do around the National Park.
Plans & policies
Corporate plans and policies

Pauline Beswick

I am the member representative for cultural heritage and historic environment issues.

Contact me

If you want to contact me about the work of the Peak District National Park Authority you can do so in the following ways:

Telephone: 01433 631256

Email: pauline.beswick@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Address: 4 Chapel Row, Froggatt, Calver, Hope Valley, S32 3ZA

About Me

I have lived in the National Park for over 30 years and am a self employed archaeological consultant. Previously I worked at Sheffield City Council as a museum curator, my last post being Principal Keeper Human History at Weston Park Museum in Sheffield. For 23 of my 30 years in museum work I managed the archaeological collection, much of which derives from the Peak District, and conducted research into Peak District archaeology.

I have been a member of the Peak District National Park Authority since 2004 and served on the planning committee since 2006, for which I have undergone planning training on an annual basis.

Decisions during that time, particularly in connection with Longstone Edge and Backdale, have given me valuable experience of minerals development issues.

I was a Member of the Scrutiny Panel for the Authority’s recently completed Recreation Strategy.

What the national park means to me

I am a life-long supporter of National Parks and their aspirations. They are priceless national assets and it is a great personal privilege not only to live here but also to be a Member of the Authority and contribute to the valuable work it does in looking after the National Park for future generations.

Day-to-day management of the national park is continually challenging but is guided by our clearly stated statutory purposes and duty which encapsulate the vision of what National Parks are about.

The National Park’s past, present and future character and special qualities should continue to reflect the lives of the people who have farmed, worked and built in it.

Farming is key to managing the National Park’s landscape. Agri-environment payments are critical to the long term survival of farming in the uplands.

The Peak District National Park is also flanked by some of the country’s largest cities, making it the premier place for recreation and leisure for millions of people. Managing this influx, and changing habits in recreation pursuits, puts considerable pressure on the Authority’s resources and on residents. At the same time it opens up significant business opportunities for residents. The aim is to achieve sustainability for both the Park and residents whilst enabling visitors to enjoy, understand and appreciate the Park’s special qualities.

Travel and transport are vital for the well-being of residents and local businesses and so people can access the National Park for recreation and leisure. However, they can also create congestion and have an impact on climate change.

A big issue in the future will be the effects of renewable energy and other infrastructure on the Park’s natural and built environment.