Eastern Moors vision feedback unveiled

2 September 2010

Margaret Overend
Communications Manager
E-mail: margaret.overend@rspb.org.uk

The views of local people have helped shape an exciting future for two of the most popular swathes of moorland in the Peak District.

And later this month, they get the chance to hear the outcomes of a series of consultation workshops and how they have influenced a far-reaching vision to be driven forward by the National Trust and the RSPB.

Working together as the Eastern Moors Partnership, the two organisations will unveil the results of the consultation on Saturday 11 September at Losehill Hall, Castleton, from 9.30 am to 1 pm.

The areas involved include:

  • The Eastern Moors Estate, which is owned by the Peak District National Park Authority, covers 2,700 hectares of Clod Hall Moor, Leash Fen, Ramsley Moor, Big Moor and Totley Moss Moor. As from 1 November, it will be managed by the Eastern Moors Partnership.
  • The Sheffield Moors: Around 900 hectares of moorland owned by Sheffield City Council, including Hathersage, Burbage and Houndkirk Moors. The partnership has been gathering the public’s views on the future of Sheffield Moors on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

Danny Udall, of the partnership, said: 'The thoughts, ideas and aspirations we have heard during the consultation events have confirmed something we already suspected – people have an overwhelming pride and love for both these amazing areas.

'Whether they have a business interest or visit the moors to walk, climb, run, cycle, watch wildlife or just marvel at the beautiful landscape, they have given us incredibly useful viewpoints on how the area should go forward.

'We were delighted to hear from so many and their views have helped – and will continue to help – shape the future thinking, planning and management.'

The workshops were held in Sheffield, Hathersage and Totley during July and August and looked at how people will be involved, the wildlife and cultural heritage, land management and access and recreation. Views were also collected on a special consultation website.

The report will be used by the Eastern Moors Partnership to produce a long-term vision and a five-year management plan to be published early in 2011.

Sheffield City Council will use the consultation when they are deciding the management principles to be delivered by any new, long-term management agreement on their moors when the current short-term Farm Business Tenancy ends in September next year.

Anyone wanting to attend the feedback session must book a place by calling Losehill Hall on 01433 620373.