Important notice: This is an archived version of the Peak District National Park Authority's website. It was last updated on 2 August 2011. The current version can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk. This old version of the website will remain available until all content and functionality has been transferred across to the new website, after which it will be switched off.

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.

Roger Clarke

I am the member representative for both tourism and asset management 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: 01629 582122

Email: roger.clarke@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Address: Gordon Lodge, Snitterton, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2JG

About Me

My lifetime’s interest has been in the relationship between people and the environment, and the search for sustainable patterns of living.  

I began my career as a community worker in the west of Scotland and from 1976 to 1984 was a director at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Between 1984 and 2000 I was a director at the Countryside Agency, before becoming chief executive of the Youth Hostels Association from 2000 to 2008, where I also served as a board member of the European Federation of Youth Hostel Associations.

During my career I have also been a non-executive board member at Natural England, a council member at English Nature and member of the Expert Panel at the Heritage Lottery Fund.

I have a wife and two sons. We have lived near Matlock, just outside the National Park, for the last ten years. My interests include travel, climbing mountains, growing vegetables, running marathons, and making music. I have a PhD in geography.

What the national park means to me

I love the Peak District landscape: the contrast of White Peak and Dark Peak. I take pleasure from the way in which so many people from the cities surrounding the Peak District come here for relaxation and exercise. I enjoy exploring the National Park myself, mainly on foot. We are fortunate to have one of the best-maintained rights of way networks in the country.

I try to contribute to all aspects of the National Park Authority's work. From my time with YHA, I have a particular interest in outdoor recreation, young people and tourism.

I have always been interested in travel, and would like to see the Authority do more to promote sustainable travel and reduce car dependence.

I am interested in landscape, its natural and cultural values, and how it continues to evolve. I chaired the group at the Council of Europe that drafted the European Landscape Convention. I started my career as a community worker, and believe that local people could play a bigger part in achieving National Park objectives.

Membership of outside bodies

I represent the Peak District National Park Authority on:

  • Campaign for National Parks
  • Peak District and Derbyshire Destination Management Partnership Board

In a personal capacity I am a member of the following:

  • Chair of Think Global [the Development Education Association]
  • Chair of the Civil Society Advisory Board at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  • Board member of the Woodland Trust
  • Board member for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)
  • Board member of the National Forest Company,
  • Board member of Woodbrooke, the national Quaker study centre
  • Assistant Clerk, Bakewell Quaker Meeting