New fire rangers at Dovestone's to reduce moorland fire risk

Two seasonal fire rangers are to be taken on as part of a raft of measures aimed at reducing moorland fire risk at Dovestone Reservoir.

The RSPB and United Utilities, who look after the site, say the fire rangers will be "eyes on the ground" as well as raising awareness of wildfires and their prevention with visitors on site and through outreach with schools.

The fire rangers also work closely with the local fire and rescue services and the police, who provide ongoing support for the work.

Protecting moorlands from devastating fire damage during warm weather is a high priority for all upland landowners and managers, including the RSPB and United Utilities at Dovestone's in the Peak District.

At Dovestone's, the RSPB works in partnership with landowner United Utilities to manage around 4,000 hectares of land. Most is blanket bog – a precious, delicate and internationally important habitat which after years of damage and neglect is undergoing an extensive programme of restoration work.

For the next four years this vital work is being funded by a grant from Natural England’s Nature for Climate Fund. A wildfire can cause vast amounts of damage to this landscape which has taken thousands of years to form and which has cost time and money to repair.

Dedicated local volunteers work alongside RSPB staff to plant special moss called sphagnum, which acts like a giant sponge holding in water. The deep gullies that have formed in the peat are also being blocked with heather or stone dams to raise the water table. This will ultimately make this high ground both wetter and greener which is key for increasing resilience to fire amongst other environmental and wildlife benefits.

The new rangers are on patrol at Dovestone's and in the Longdendale Valley, watching out for fires, reporting incidents or suspicious activity, litter picking and talking to visitors about the need for vigilance.

The site is covered by a Public Space Protection Order. This order makes it illegal for anyone to light a BBQ, campfire or stove anywhere on site, and carries the risk of a hefty fine or worse if their actions lead to a wildfire.

Local primary and secondary schools have been quick to take up the offer of assembly sessions around wildfire risk and prevention ahead of the summer holidays to help educate pupils about the importance of looking after these precious places. There will also be a competition for local primary school pupils to design some signage for the site.

Corrie Porter-Young, a Fire Ranger at Dovestone's who started in post in mid-March, said: “It has been very rewarding speaking to visitors and knowing that I am helping to raise awareness of this important issue. While we want people to have fun out in nature, this can be done in a safe way. For example, by swapping a BBQ for a picnic and taking litter home. Most people wouldn’t dream of leaving litter or lighting any kind of fire in a national park but a minority still do. Hopefully our presence on site will help to discourage this.

"Helping to prevent fires or reporting them early is something everyone can assist with. We are appealing to visitors, local residents and sports groups using the site to be extra eyes on the ground and to always report any smoke or flames on the hill by calling 999 and asking for the fire service. Never assume it is a planned burn or that someone else has already called it in. The Fire Service would much rather be told and be able to make that decision for themselves."

Miriam Biran, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager, said: “When it comes to wildfire prevention we all have a role to play and no one organisation is doing this single-handedly. The RSPB, United Utilities, National Trust, private landowners and managers, local authorities and emergency services to name but a few are all working towards the same goal of protecting a cherished and valuable landscape.”

Alan Sanders, Neighbourhood Inspector with Greater Manchester Police, said: “As we approach the warmer weather, we will be working with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, and other key partners such as the RSPB and United Utilities in order to highlight the dangers of moorland fires."

Things to remember on your visit:

• It is illegal to light any kind of fire (including camping stoves) at Dovestone Reservoir or in the Longdendale Valley
• Take all litter home with you
• Ensure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• Call 999 if you see smoke or flames on the hill
• Volunteer with the RSPB if you want to do more

For more information on RSPB Dovestone Nature Reserve click or tap here.

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