This is an archived website, available until June 2027. We hope it will inspire people to continue to care for and protect the South West Peak area and other landscapes. Although the South West Peak Landscape Partnership ended in June 2022, the area is within the Peak District National Park. Enquiries can be made to customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
The 5-year South West Peak Landscape Partnership, 2017-2022, was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Barns and Buildings
Project runs
- From: Jan 2018
- To: Jun 2022
Barns and Buildings
Project summary
This project focused on field barns throughout the South West Peak and their cultural importance to surrounding communities. These charismatic features of the landscape were built from local materials and most were constructed in the years leading up to World War I. By studying and preserving these structures and their designs, we learnt more about how the techniques of upland farming have changed over the last 150 years.
Partly as a result of the harsh environment of the area and changes in agriculture, many of these structures have fallen into disrepair over the years and are no longer actively used. This project identified, recorded, and where possible, repaired these wonderful structures.
We worked closely with local communities and landowners; along with craftspeople to repair these barns and teach the next generation of community leaders how to care for this valuable heritage. You can read more about the project's achievements in the case study and final report in the More section below.
Click Here to Access Volunteer Survey Documents
What we did
- Recorded 208 barns across the landscape
- Worked with landowners to repair and restore 4 barns
- Restored Reapsmoor chapel and schoolroom for community use
- Created Warslow Field Barns Trail with a leaflet and online information, and set up Hobcroft Barn as a ‘museum exhibit’ for people to visit
- Trained local people in the skills needed to repair field barns, including lime mortaring and drystone walling
Supporting the Field Barns tradition
To help preserve field barns, follow these tips to protect local heritage:
- Respect historic structures when out walking and discourage littering
- Take only photos and leave only footprints
- If you see something out of place or notice vandalism to a field barn, contact us so we can help fix it
- Learn more about Field Barns of the Peak District
- Field barns are owned by private farmers in most cases; respect their property if you visit
Activities
More
Take a look at some additional information that will help you protect and learn about the Barns and Buildings of the South West Peak
Field barns can provide important nesting and roosting habitats for bats, swallows and owls.
The form, location and internal arrangements of field barns reflect the changes that have occurred in upland farming practice over the last 150 years.
Related articles
Archaeology on Stage
Our very own cultural heritage officer, Catherine Parker Heath, will be live on stage at Buxton Opera House this Sunday (15th July) with Tony Robinson and his Time Team colleagues.
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