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BMW UK has funded the installation of new EV chargers in the National Park to support zero-emission journeys for tourists and the local community.
BMW UK has sponsored the implementation of new electric vehicle chargers within the National Park, aiming to facilitate emissions-free travels for both tourists and the local community. Furthermore, starting in Spring 2024, BMW UK is backing the 'Peaks of Health' initiative in the Peak District National Park. This initiative promotes community-oriented health and wellness activities, enhancing the accessibility of the National Park for outdoor pursuits.
The new EV chargers are located at Millers Dale Station, Parsley Hay Bike Hire Centre & Car Park and the Moorland Visitor Centre at Edale. Millers Dale Station and Parsley Hay chargers will be available to the public, and those at Edale will serve guests of the Fieldhead Campsite at the Moorland Visitor Centre.
These are some of the busiest locations in the National Park, increasing the availability of EV charging options for both local communities and visitors. Each EV charging point can charge two cars simultaneously meaning that more EV drivers can travel with confidence to appreciate the Peak District’s picturesque views.
The installation of these new chargers is another step towards increasing the EV charging infrastructure throughout the UK’s National Parks - one of the goals of the Recharge in Nature partnership. To date, 36 chargers have been installed in National Parks across the UK, with chargers in all 15 of the National Parks set to be installed before the end of the three-year BMW partnership.
In total, the UK’s National Parks are visited over 100 million times each year – with 93 per cent of these visits being made by car. Enhancing the EV recharging network is vital to enabling better access for the lowest emitting and quietest vehicles.
The Peak District’s ‘Peaks of Health’ project is also being supported by BMW UK from Spring 2024, enabling community-based health and wellbeing organisations to make the National Park a more accessible space to walk, cycle and enjoy. Its aim is to help combat barriers that prevent people from accessing the countryside around them, due to lack of transport, social isolation, a loss of confidence, older age, or physical and mental health challenges.
Emily Fox, interim head of resources for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “Being so close to the cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby, the Peak District National Park is the most accessible of the UK’s National Parks and we’re so pleased to be able to take this further through the Recharge in Nature partnership with BMW UK. The new EV chargers mean those who live and work in the Peak District, as well as the 13 million visitors we welcome every year, have lower emission travel options, helping protect our National Park now and for future generations. BMW UK’s support for ‘Peaks of Health’ also means we can increase its impact in making the Peak District accessible for everyone.”
