The Peak District should see more trees after the scheme to plant 500 won the vote

Walkers’ and climbers’ projects missed out in a public vote to decide where a £5,000 grant would be spent in the Peak District.

The public choice was for 500 field and hedgerow trees to be planted across the district, with more than 43 per cent of voters backing the project. Second most favoured was the scheme to repair and restore markers above Stanage Edge, one of the most popular climbing venues in the national park.

The Stanage option polled 15 per cent. Last choice was the scheme to improve a walkers’ shelter and information point at Grindsbrook.

The Peak District National Park Authority launched the public vote as part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the passing of legislation that led to the setting up of national parks. £5,000 was on offer to the winning scheme and the vote was conducted between 11 November and 11 December.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “We will plant up to 500 trees to help maintain the tree stock and provide a legacy for hundreds of years.

“Trees and hedgerows improve the landscape and biodiversity of the national park and help negate the effects of climate change. They can also screen eyesores and mark entrances and exits to footpaths and fields.

“The tree planting will take place before summer 2010. The exact locations of the trees within the national park will depend on negotiations with landowners. Details of the locations will be published in the media when the trees are planted.”

Seven schemes were in the running for the grant.