Agenda item
Morridge Hill Country Site Access Plan (1:53:31)
Minutes:
Anna Stuart from the Morridge Hill Country Landscape Recovery Project, gave a presentation on the Morridge Hill Site Access Plan. Morridge Hill covers a large area with the main landowners being PDNPA, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Ministry of Defence and 21 farmers and land managers. The project is currently in a 2-year development phase with delivery phase proposals to be submitted by May 2026. The project is funded by DEFRA in conjunction with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Help is sought from the LAF regarding proposed route improvements, additional routes, consultations, and volunteer surveys.
LAF members discussed that the area was good for outdoor recreation and a popular climbing area, but there was little detail on which groups aren’t accessing the area. The nature of the landscape means the area won’t be fully accessible to all users. The focus is therefore on what was possible and linking routes to public transport. Anna was looking to the LAF and its representative organisations for ideas on access improvements with a deadline of January 2026. There was a British Mountaineering Council offer of some funding and volunteer time.
Action: PDLAF members to consider input on improving access at Morridge Hill Country.