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Conservation
Derbyshire Dales covers approximately 33,000 hectares (128 sq miles) of land with a total population of around 45,000 and contains some of the most diverse and scenically beautiful areas in Britain. The District has a wealth of stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, historic buildings, over 1325 are listed buildings; conservation areas; archaeological sites and monuments and historic parks and gardens which make it one of the best places in Britain to live, work and visit
The majority of the District is rural in character and comprises attractive areas of countryside interspersed with a large number of villages and hamlets. The main towns within the District are Matlock, Wirksworth and Ashbourne. There is a definite contrast within the landscape, ranging from the rugged uplands in the north, to the softer fertile agricultural land in the south. Equally there is a diverse range of building materials; from the creamy pink sandstones, buff grit-stone, grey-white limestone and charcoal grey slates found predominantly in the north; to the warm orange-red brick, bluish hues of Staffordshire clay tiles and crisp brown, sepia thatch, and timber framing found further south. The area is also rich in industrial heritage, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which extends from Cromford to Derby, being formally recognised in 2001 as a surviving example of outstanding human endeavour and known as the 'cradle of the new factory system'.
The Council's Conservation Team is responsible for the care, protection and enhancement of the high quality natural and historic built environment of the Derbyshire Dales.