Climbers on Stanage Edge. Photo: Peak District NPA

Walkers and climbers are being asked to give their views on a prime Peak District site which it was feared would be sold off last year.

The Peak District National Park Authority voted unanimously to keep the North Lees estate, including Stanage Edge, in public ownership and now wants to shape plans for the next 10 years.

The authority is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to a meeting at the end of this month to share ideas for the area’s future.

It is working with the Stanage Forum, a voluntary group of local people and recreational users, and other interested parties to create a new management plan for the estate.

Mary Bagley, assistant director for enterprise and field services, who lives in Hathersage, said: “We’d encourage anyone who is interested in this beautiful area to come along and get involved in creating a new vision that will guide us over the next 10 years.

“Help us start this process off by giving us your suggestions.

“This estate is special to millions of people in many different ways. It has a world-class climbing edge, rich natural habitats, a working farm, woodlands, a campsite, historic buildings, archaeological sites and some of the most spectacular views in the UK.

“We want to hear why it is important to people, what issues they think the estate will face over the next 10 years, and how we can work together to sustain the estate environmentally, recreationally and financially to give it the best possible future.”

The meeting will take place on Saturday 29 March, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Hathersage Memorial Hall. The authority said anyone who can’t get to the meeting can give their views via an online survey.