The LIFE in the Ravines project came together for one final celebration on 10 and 11 June at Chatsworth Estate, bringing an extraordinary six-year chapter in Peak District conservation to a close in style.
More than 100 stakeholders, partners, woodland specialists and landowners gathered across the two days, representing 31 organisations including NGOs, private companies and universities. It was a fitting tribute to a project that has left a lasting mark on one of England’s most precious landscapes.
The event was packed with speaker sessions, site visits and the chance to reflect on what the project partners have achieved together. Site visits were led by partners, who shared first-hand accounts of the work carried out on site and spoke passionately about the ecological significance of these special sites. Attendees braved the rain throughout, and the wet conditions served as a timely reminder of the challenging environment that site teams have worked in every day, planting trees on steep and demanding slopes throughout the project. Far from dampening spirits, it brought to life the dedication and resilience of everyone involved on the ground.
Adding a glimpse into the future of woodland restoration, drone flight demonstrations showcased the project’s drone seeding trial, an innovative approach to reaching areas where traditional planting methods are difficult. It was a fascinating look at how technology is being used to support conservation in some of the most challenging terrain.
More than anything, the two days were an opportunity for everyone who has played a part in LIFE in the Ravines to come together, share what they have learned, and look ahead to the future of these woodlands.
Six Years, Lasting Impact
The scale of what has been achieved is remarkable, with over 100,000 native trees planted across the Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation (SAC) ravine woodlands, to replace those lost to ash dieback disease.
Ash dieback has had a devastating impact on these ravine woodlands, stripping away the tree cover that defines these unique limestone landscapes. The project has successfully restored up to 25% of the ravine woodlands’ most severely damaged, creating habitats that are more resilient and better equipped to withstand future pressures by providing a diverse seed source to kick start the woodlands’ recovery.
Central to the planting effort has been the reintroduction of species that historically thrived in these environments. Among others, large-leaved lime, small-leaved lime and wych elm, the foundation species of the ravine woodlands, have been planted across sites, re-establishing the ecological character that makes these places so rare and important.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the EU LIFE Programme, which provided vital funding to make the project a reality. The programme has played a crucial role in enabling ambitious conservation work of this scale, and its contribution to protecting these rare woodland habitats cannot be overstated.
The result is a recovering ecosystem that will benefit local communities, visitors and wildlife for generations to come.
A Partnership Achievement
LIFE in the Ravines has always been a collaborative endeavour. Led by Natural England, the project has brought together a wide range of partners over the past six years, each contributing their expertise, resources and passion for these woodlands.
The final conference was a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose, and a massive thank you goes to every speaker, organiser and attendee who made it such a special occasion.
Looking Ahead
While the formal project is coming to an end, the work of protecting and understanding these woodlands continues. The trees planted over the past six years will grow and mature, and the knowledge gained through the project will help inform future conservation efforts across the country. There was a clear sense of energy, enthusiasm and optimism at the conference about what comes next for ravine woodland conservation.
Presentations
Explore our collection of conference presentations available for viewing. Each presentation covers various topics and is designed to provide valuable insights. Feel free to browse and choose the ones that interest you!
Pre LIFE by Joe Alsop (Senior Reserve Manager at Natural England)
Practical Work by Martin Evans (Woodland Restoration Manager at Natural England)
Long Term Monitoring by Nick Covarr (Lecturer in Forestry & Woodland at Harper Adams University)
Drone Seeding by Ross Inglis and Kevin Gornall (Directors at Quadrotor Ltd.)
Communications and Engagement by Katie Brownbill (Communications Officer at Natural England)
Our Vision for the White Peak by Adam Linnet (Senior Ranger at National Trust)
The Living Ash Project by Jo Clark (Head of Research at Future Trees Trust)