Sir Martin Doughty

Sir Martin Doughty, the father of modern conservation and founding Chair of Natural England, died of cancer on 4th March 2009, aged 59.

To celebrate Martin’s legacy, Natural England, The National Trust, Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority will be organising a commemorative event in the Peak District on Sunday 11th October 2009.

The 11 October would have been Martin`s 60th birthday and we are planning an informal family day out with walks for all abilities and a fell run on and around Kinder Scout. Fittingly, this was the scene of the 1932 Mass Trespass and the catalyst for the creation of our National Parks.
Details of the day are listed below.

If you would like to join please contact us on Commemorative.walk@naturalengland.org.uk letting us know how many people will be attending and which walk you would like to join.

Programme for the day
9.30 – 10.00 Congregate at New Mills Town Hall
10.00 - 10.15 Welcome and introduction to the day's events
10.15 – 10.30 Unveiling of a commemorative sundial by, Nick Hodgson Chief Executive Derbyshire County Council
10.30 Walks and run commence
14.30 Ceremony at Kinder Downfall for those walking routes 4 and 5.
16.00 – 18.00 Return to Royal Hotel Hayfield, for refreshments and opportunity to sample the specially named Martin`s White Hare Bitter.

For those returning to New Mills there will also be an opportunity to sample another specially named beer `Martin`s Favourite New Mills Bitter` at the Beehive, Albion Rd, New Mills.
We would like to take to take the opportunity to say a special thanks to both Dave Botham, owner of the Beehive and the Ash family, owners of the Royal Hotel, for providing these specially named beers.

Buses will be running from Hayfield bus station to New Mills Town Hall and the train stations throughout the day.