Volunteer alongside other BMC members to help National Trust with conservation work on the Peak District’s high moor tops.
Location of event
Birchen Clough lay-by parking, A57 Snake Pass, near Glossop, Derbyshire, S33 0BJ [View in google maps]
Type of event
Volunteer alongside other BMC members to help National Trust with conservation work on the Peak District’s high moor tops, adjacent to the Snake Pass (A57). The work will consist of invasive Sitka Spruce tree removal from Alport Moor, above the Snake Pass. This event will provide a valuable opportunity to give something back to our uplands and at the same time learn a little about moorland conservation and restoration too.
Booking a place in advance is essential, see below.
WHY IS THE WORK NECESSARY?
National Trust’s Kinder and High Peak Estate contains some of our highest and most appreciated Peak District moorland. These moors are home to some of the nation’s most significant sphagnum moss based peat bogs, themselves a huge and vital store of captured of carbon. The substantial plantations of sitka spruce that exist on the fringes of this moorland (belonging to others) have resulted in sitka (itself a non-native invasive species) self-seeding (carried by the wind) onto the moors beyond. The resulting saplings must go as they act against attempts to re-wet the moor! NT, who are working hard to restore these moors to health and vitality, need our help to tackle these important tasks.
WHAT WILL THE WORK INVOLVE?
Spending around 6 hours, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by National Trust staff, walking across the rough and boggy mostly trackless moor to carry out one of the tasks listed above. There will be a steep uphill walk of less than an hour’s duration at the beginning, to reach the conservation site, and the same in reverse at the end. Whilst working we will be moving across the same trackless, boggy, wet and rough moorland. The work will be physically demanding yet well withing the capabilities of reasonably fit hill goers. Along the way there will be lots to see, learn and talk about with likely plenty of laughs to be had too!
EQUIPMENT/KIT REQUIRED
You will need to bring sturdy walking boots (gaiters recommended), full waterproofs, plenty of warm layers including warm hat and gloves, a first aid kit for personal use (+ any medication you need), and a hat, i.e. all your usual kit for a full day out on the hill in winter. The moors can be inhospitable, so plenty of warm layers are advised.
You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves (although if you forget them, NT may have a spare pair or two). All other tools and equipment (plus instruction in their use) will be supplied by the National Trust.
CATERING/FOOD
No catering is provided so please be sure to bring along sufficient food and drink (including a flask with a hot drink might be a good idea) for a full day working out on the hill. There are no public toilets either, of course.
WHERE WILL THE WORK TAKE PLACE?
Unless told otherwise we will meet at Birchen Clough Bridge lay-by (sometimes called Snake Woodlands lay-by) on the A57 Snake Pass, about one and a half miles east of the summit.
Google maps location: https://goo.gl/maps/v2AqaxuLkHvh91hU7
OS Grid Ref: SK 10935 91446; Lat/long: 53.4197,-1.8370; What3Words: thumps.jumbo.thrusters
WHEN WILL THE WORK TAKE PLACE?
The dates are Sunday 15th of October and 11th November. You will need to arrive at the appointed car parking place well before the start time of 9.30 am to meet National Trust staff. This car park fills up quickly at weekends so arrive in plenty of time (suggest before 9am). We’ll be returning to our cars by approx. 4 pm.
WHO CAN TAKE PART
Adults only. No dogs, sorry!
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE
You must contact BMC volunteer Peter Judd (via peak10roam-bmc@yahoo.co.uk) to let him know you’d like to take part, he will add you to the list and will then contact you much nearer the time with any last-minute details.
CANCELLATION PROCEDURE
It's crucial that there are sufficient numbers on the day to make this, likely very popular, event worthwhile for the National Trust. So it is important anyone unable to come lets Peter Judd know, to free up their space, straight away.
ACTIVITY PROVIDER CREDENTIALS
This event is being coordinated by BMC volunteer Peter Judd, a qualified Mountain Leader. The conservation activity itself will be supervised and directed on the day by National Trust High Peak professional rangers.