the moors for the future partnership

Millions of people come to the Peak District National Park every year. Around one third of the UK population - 16 million people - live within an hour of the Peak District - thats a lot of footprints! When you visit our special moorlands remember they are very fragile places, at high risk from fires and erosion that can have devastating effects on native plants and animals. Britain has 75% of the world's remaining heather moorlands, which we all have a duty to protect.

It's not just wildlife that suffers. It's your wallet too! It costs millions of pounds for water companies to keep reservoirs free of peat washed down from the moors so our drinking water is clean.

In addition the moors are an important carbon `sink` - locking up carbon dioxide which is responsible for global warming. Did you know peat bogs in Britain already store more carbon than all the forests in the UK and France?

Everyone can understand, enjoy and contribute to the special qualities of the moors. We need to work together to care for the moors. This partnership is vital conserve and manage the moors and prevent further damage.

Here's how you can be `moor aware` and help protect this special landscape.

Countryside Codes

In 2004 the Countryside Agency launched the new Countryside Code, which gives advice on how to behave responsibly in the Countryside. Academy award winning animators at Aardman created new "Creature ComfortsTM" to spearhead the new code. For more information visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or call 0845 100 3298.

The Moorland Access Advisory Group have developed The Moorland Visitor's Code (2MB). This follows the key messages of the Countryside Code. It also gives detailed information on how moorland is managed, the fantastic wildlife that is our upland heritage and how to enjoy it in a responsible way.

A number of organisations representing groups who use the moors for recreation on the moors have produced codes for particular activities. See the links below:

Fire Watch

Both peat and the vegetation which grows on it can become very dry, particularly during the summer. Accidental fires kill animals and birds and destroy natural habitats which take many years (if ever) to recover, if they ever do. For futher information look at our fire protection page

Between 1976 and 2004 there were over 350 reported accidental fires on the Peak District moors caused by carelessness. Here's how you can be `moor careful` and help prevent further fires.

Take your litter home, including bottles and broken glass
Do not to throw matches or cigarette ends out of your car or stub them out in moorland vegetation or peat
www.buttsandgum.com supply ashtray pouches for disposing of cigarette ends
Please do not light fires on moorlands - not even gas stoves or barbeques
Extinguish small fires you see, if safe to do so
Respect all warning signs
Be vigilant - tell and advise others

During 2008 Rangers anfd Fire Personnel will be handing out new eco-friendly ashtray pouches

Disposable ashtray pouches prevent fires

In 2006 a pilot service was launched that aims to speed up responses to fires when they occur. At times of high fire risk (as governed by the Fire Severity Index) Peak District National Park part-time Rangers are stationed at moorland vantage points to alert fire fighters as soon as any fires become evident.. The `Fire Watch` team also give information to walkers on the moors.

During that first year, they were responsible for the quick response of fire crews to three potentially damaging fires - and therefore saved moorland owners thousands of pounds!

Dogs

Most dog owners comply with the Countryside Rights of Way Act (2000). However, there are a limited few who allow their dogs to roam freely over the moors. This disturbs livestock and breeding birds who may nest on the ground. When enjoying these new rights, the law requires that:
	dogs can be excluded from grouse moorland without consultation with the access authority dogs must be kept on a lead not more than 2 metres long during the bird nesting period (1 March - 31 July) dogs must be kept on a lead not more than 2 metres long near farm animals; On the public right of way that runs through CRoW Act land a dog only needs to be under close control. However, as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead.
Visit our paws on the moors website for more information including useful contacts for dog friendly accomodation, vets, what to do if you lose your dog, first aid, restrictions and much more.

Peak Pressure

The heavy use of many moorland paths means they are very prone to erosion. Footpaths that are used regularly often become wet and boggy and the result is that walkers skirt around the edges widening paths (upto 100 metres in places!). The widening of paths not only damages the adjacent vegetation but also disturbs breeding birds. Here's how to prevent erosion:

if you are following the line of a path, keep to it rather than creating new tracks
if you are on an eroding path, please avoid widening it. Walk in single file if necessary

Moors for the Future are undertaking two major types of footpath projects: the restoration of trampling sites and easier access to the moors. The former will formalise existing eroded routes, while the latter will create better surfacing and furniture for disabled people, the elderly and families with small children.

Although the Peak District Moors are perceived as wildernesses, they have been shaped over thousands of years by the people who live and work in them, and more recently by the people who visit them for enjoyment.
The moors provide a window into the lives of people who have lived, worked and visited the area.

Please follow these guidelines:

avoid moving stones, rocks and boulders - you may be damaging an archaeological feature
always use gates and stiles - climbing over walls can cause damage (this iscostly, time consuming and may allow livestock to escape)

Travel

Did you know half the population of England are within one hour's drive of the Peak Distrct moors and that over 90% of visits to the National Park are made by car.

The Bus Service

There are many alternative forms of transport and in the past Moors for the Future jointly funded a moorland bus service. If you leave your car at home you don't have to worry about traffic congestion, car parking, vehicle thefts and other stresses and strains associated with bringing your car to the moors.

There are public transport links from the nearby towns and cities, including the railway line from Manchester to Sheffield via Edale and the Hope Valley and for the more energetic there are many cycling routes and bridle ways. Audio Trails are a great way to discover the area and nearly all of our 13 'audio tours of the moors start from public transport links.

If these alternatives are not for you then please remember to take `moor care.` Drive within the speed limit and remember it's not just cars that use moorland roads - around the next corner may be an agricultural vehicle, livestock grazing in or near the road, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and even animals such as badgers.

....and most importantly - YOU!

The moors are certainly beautiful , but they can also be very hostile. The weather can change very rapidly leaving you exposed and disorientated. Always be well prepared and follow these tips:

check the weather before you leave (this link is a pdf which requires adobe acrobat)
always take a compass and map (OS Outdoor Leisure 1 covers the Dark Peak)
wear sturdy boots
dress appropriately and always take waterproofs
let someone know where you are going and what time you are returning (remember mobile phone reception cannot be guaranteed)
always take sufficient food and water
only undertake activities within your abilities.

for further information visit our mountain safety page


	\| \| \| The partners are: Peak District National Park Authority, National Trust, Natural England, United Utilities, Severn Trent Water, Environment Agency, Derbyshire County Council, Sheffield City Council, Yorkshire Water and Moorland Owners.