Why I can't accept blame for exploiting a National Park - response from a Hill and Moorland Leader
- Sarah Lister
- May 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 27
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when I opened the email. I felt my stomach tightening up in response to his words. My heartbeat quickened. I could just ignore it, even delete it. But no, that wouldn’t be enough. The words had already gotten beneath the surface.
“Are these prices real? If they are this is Shameful! I hope you give a large percentage of those fees to the national park! Truly shocking exploitation of a natural resource aimed at rich middle class people, completely ruining what kinder Scout is about! Benny Rothwell* would turn in his grave!!”
An email sent via my coaching website from Rob, a joiner in Hayfield.
*he meant Benny Rothman
After feeling sadness, anger and frustration on receipt of Rob’s email, I have given it more thought. It’s not the first time that I’ve been accused of exploiting the Peak District National Park, and I know it echoes some wider misconceptions and fears about qualified leaders who are offering guided experiences.
While part of me doesn’t want to explain myself to a careless and ill informed email, there’s part of me that needs to respond. I can’t keep taking it on, burying it and hoping it goes away. It hurts too much. I must speak up for myself, so here I am. Heart beating, face burning, standing up for what I believe in.
Since moving to Edale and embarking on my journey as a Hill and Moorland Leader, I have consciously worked towards protecting local natural resources. By attending events with Moors For The Future, qualifying as a Leader under the Mountain Training Scheme, and reading about the environment, I have learned a lot about what’s important. This has inspired me to remove litter and abandoned tents from the moors, to volunteer with the BMC, and to pass on my knowledge to others on guided walks and through conversations on my Wild About Kinder podcast.
While selling my book and guided walks might look like exploitation to some, I believe that I am making a positive difference by sharing the importance of:
people connecting with nature
keeping dogs on short leads to protect wildlife and sheep
preventing moorland fires
leaving no trace
respect towards local communities and farms
parking in designated car parks
supporting and donating to Mountain Rescue
work by Moors For The Future
I share this information in my book Mountain Walks Kinder Scout, in the information packs I send out before guiding a walk, and during the walks and coaching sessions that I lead.
I see other Leaders doing the same, and more! I feel very proud of my friends who volunteer their time to Mountain Rescue and the National Trust, and others who lead environmental campaigns and litter picks. I believe that we are a network of people who deeply care about the National Parks and embody the values of the Mountain Training Scheme through our work and lives. We are educating people through memorable experiences.
Far from “ruining what Kinder Scout is about”, I celebrate it and I protect it. My peers do the same. I’m open to learning and having conversations about the issues that National Parks are facing, but I can’t accept blame for exploitation and I don’t want people in the local communities to think that’s why I’m here.
The reason I am here is because I felt a special connection with the Peak District National Park when I visited for the first time in 2016. Walking and meeting people here helped me during a difficult time in my life, and I believe similar experiences can help others too. Encouraged by my friend Clare, I became a Hill and Moorland Leader to facilitate this for others, in a way that’s safe and respectful of the environment and communities that have lived here for much longer than me. I believe that I stand alongside everyone else who cares about the issues affecting National Parks.
The fees that I charge are a reflection of my Mountain Leader, Outdoor First Aid and Coaching qualifications, alongside my experience and knowledge. I clearly state on my website that reduced rates are available for people who can't afford my full rates. I often offer guided walking experiences free of charge in addition to my paid work, which includes the same information about looking after the landscape and nature.
I will continue to try my best to balance what this place gives me, with what I give back.
Thank you for reading this post. If you would like to respond please email: sarah@sarahventurer.com