Who was Ethel Haythornthwaite?

She was a Sheffield woman who founded the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery in 1924 and led the campaign to save Longshaw Estate from development. Her work helped establish Britain's national parks system and green belt policies.

How did Longshaw Estate get saved from development?

Ethel Haythornthwaite launched a public appeal in 1928 that raised money through donations from individuals, local authorities, and organizations. By 1931, enough funds were collected to purchase the 747-acre estate and present it to the National Trust.

Did Ethel Haythornthwaite help create the national parks?

Yes. She was appointed to the National Parks Committee in 1945 and helped shape the recommendations that led to the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which established Britain's national parks system.

The Peak District Pioneers

Ethel Haythornthwaite and the Battle for Longshaw: When One Woman Helped Shape the National Parks

In 1924, Ethel Haythornthwaite founded the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery and led the successful public appeal to save the Longshaw Estate. Her work on landscape protection and open access helped lay the intellectual and political foundations for Britain's national parks and green belts.

18 August 20267 min read