Stanage Edge, one of the Peak District's most popular climbing venues. Photo: Darren Copley

A cash-strapped national park authority is looking at possibly selling off a prime rockclimbing site as Government budget cuts take effect.

The Peak District national park is already seeking a potential buyer for The Roaches, the popular climbing area on its south-western edge and is now consulting on selling or leasing Stanage Edge and the North Lees estate, near Hathersage.

The Peak District has used asset disposal as a way of easing the budgetary constraints imposed by the coalition Government and has already agreed to sell the Losehill Hall learning centre to the Youth Hostels Association and its largest estate, the Eastern Moors, has been leased to a partnership of the National Trust and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

A spokesperson for the Peak District national park said: “The authority is currently consulting community groups and users about the possible transfer of Stanage and its surrounding North Lees estate near Hathersage, asking them what they would seek from any new partner.

“It will then draw up its requirements for potential bidders to fulfil, covering conservation, public access, recreation, widening understanding of its wildlife and heritage and farming to high environmental standards. It would specifically exclude shooting rights.”

The North Lees estate includes a campsite used by many climbers and visitors to Stanage Edge, which has more than 1,800 gritstone routes along its 6km (4-mile) length.

Among the bodies already consulted is the Stanage Forum, which represents local communities, climbers, walkers, birdwatchers and other interest groups. The forum has advised on the management of the estate since 2000.

Director of operations Richard Campen said: “We want to find organisations or individuals who could continue to look after the special environment of Stanage and the North Lees estate and build on the good work we have already achieved.

“In the light of public spending cuts, the authority is in the process of transferring several of its assets to other like-minded bodies which have a commitment to conservation, recreation and widening understanding, but have more resources to invest than we do.

“Stanage Edge is held in high regard for its spectacular views, world-class climbing crags and rare wildlife. We are determined that any new partner would protect those aspects and continue to involve user groups and local people in its management.”

The Peak District authority expects to seek expressions of interest by the end of May or early June, with tenders invited towards the end of this year. It said a decision could be made by March 2012, and any transfer could be completed by March 2013.

Eight parties have expressed an interest in the lease or purchase of The Roaches. They must put in their bids by 20 May and, as with Stanage, shooting rights are excluded.