Smart Valley – A digital transformation enabling resilience and sustainability in a rural community

Hope Valley is a ‘honey pot’ destination within the Peak District National
Park. The current infrastructure is increasingly felt by a range of stakeholders to be insufficient to effectively support and manage the needs of residents, industry, farming and a dramatically rising number of visitors. A challenge that has been exacerbated by the covid 19 pandemic in both the short and longer term.

The consequences of this situation is proving detrimental to the natural environment – which the national park status is intended to protect and enhance. It also reduces the quality of life for residents, the experience of the area for visitors and potentially the health and well being of both groups..

The areas of concern include;
● Transport infrastructure (Routes/footpaths/trails, availability of public transport, car
parking, congestion)
● Pollution (air quality, noise, light pollution – dark skies, littering – fly tipping, fires)
● Information (advice and guidance to visitors and residents, signage and directions in real
time)
● Resources (presence of emergency services, council officers, park rangers, residents,
user groups and volunteer agencies)
● Investment – ensuring that the allocation of resources reflects the numbers of people in the area to support and meet their range of needs

In this presentation we review the development of the Smart Valley project from initial

requirements through current status, technology deployed, results and forward plans.