Skoda Rebrands Peak District for 1 Week as Funding Cuts of 9% Fuel Backlash

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 1

A one-week Skoda promotion has put temporary “Peaq District” signs in the Peak District to market the carmaker’s new electric model, with the park authority saying the deal brings extra money for conservation, heritage and access work.
Phil Mulligan, the authority’s chief executive, said the payment was a “reasonable amount” but would not disclose it, arguing the partnership reflects declining public support even though the park received £6 million for 2025-26.
Campaigners protested at Surprise View near Hathersage, saying selling the park’s name risks commodifying protected landscapes and shows how funding pressures are pushing authorities toward commercial tie-ups.
Those pressures extend beyond the Peak District: the Campaign for National Parks says government support to park authorities fell 9% in 2025-26, contributing to a 40% real-terms drop since 2010 as visitor numbers hit records.
National Parks England says parks must diversify income despite a new £37 million three-year government package and £30 million for habitats, while corporate partnerships have already spread to brands including BMW, Santander, Vodafone and Estée Lauder.