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We plan to speak at the Peak District National Park Authority’s meeting on Friday 17 December, where members will make a decision on the future of the highly-admired Losehill Hall in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire. Losehill Hall has belonged to the Peak Park for 40 years. Now, officers propose to sell or lease it, to save money.
Losehill Hall
Four tenders have been received and the members will decide whether to accept one of them.
Says Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society: ‘I have visited Losehill Hall for the past 25 years and know what a massive contribution it makes to environmental learning, locally, nationally and internationally. It is an incredibly special place, set in the heart of the national park. It has offered exceptional learning opportunities, to children and adults alike, including professional training. Those who have visited Losehill remember it with affection for the rest of their lives.
‘It would be dismal if the national park authority was to sell this priceless asset. We shall urge members to accept a bid to lease it, not buy it, so that the park authority retains control and can ensure that Losehill continues to contribute to the national park’s admirable learning service.
‘We are anxious that Losehill should continue to offer training and education of the highest standard, as well as welcoming people there for conferences and seminars in inspirational surroundings.
‘The decision which members make on Friday will be of fundamental importance, not only for Losehill Hall but for environmental and national park learning throughout the UK. We urge the members to ensure that Losehill Hall is still an integral part of this.’