Volunteer alongside other BMC members to help National Trust with conservation work on the Peak District’s high moor tops (that form part of the northern half of NT’s Kinder and High Peak Estate) adjacent to the Snake Pass (A57) or above the nearby Upper Derwent Valley
The work at this volunteer day will consist of sphagnum moss planting. This event will provide a valuable opportunity to give something back to our uplands and at the same time learn a little about moorland habitat, conservation and restoration from highly knowledgeable rangers.
Booking a place in advance is essential and can be done by emailing Peter at peak10roam-bmc@yahoo.co.uk.
WHY IS THE WORK NECESSARY?
National Trust’s Kinder and High Peak Estate contains some of our highest and most appreciated Peak District moorland with their steep sided cloughs (ravines) on the margins.
These moors are home to some of the nation’s most significant blanket bog. Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide (making such bogs some of our nation’s most important carbon stores) and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. Restoring these bogs to health including strategic planting of more sphagnum is a key contributor to fighting climate change.
NT, who are working hard to restore these moors to health and vitality, need our help to tackle all of these important tasks.
WHAT WILL THE WORK INVOLVE?
Spending around 5-6 hours, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by National Trust staff, walking up to and across the rough and boggy sometimes trackless moor to carry out sphagnum moss planting. There will likely be a short steep uphill walk 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 moderately physically demanding, yet well within the capabilities of reasonably fit hill goers. Along the way there will be lots to see, learn and talk about plus plenty of laughs too we hope!
The uneven ground in this area, mainly consisting of tough grass tussocks, woody heather shrubs, bilberry and peaty wet areas, forms a significant hazard as such growth can hide holes, gullies, etc. This terrain poses a significant trip hazard that could result in sprained ankles and other leg injuries, though good supportive footwear will mitigate this risk.
EQUIPMENT/KIT REQUIRED
You will need to bring sturdy walking boots with soles offering good grip (gaiters also recommended), full waterproofs, plenty of warm layers including warm hat and gloves, a small first aid kit for personal use (+ any medication you need), and a hat (if significant sun forecast then a sun hat and sun screen too), i.e. all your usual kit for a full day out on the hill appropriate to the season. The moors can be inhospitable, so plenty of warm layers and spare gloves are advised. While we expect to be off the moors long before nightfall, carrying a small torch or headtorch may be wise.
You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves (although if you forget them, NT will likely have spare pairs). 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 in colder weather & plenty of water, especially in hot weather ) for a full day working out on the hill. There are no public toilets either, of course.
WHERE WILL THE WORK TAKE PLACE?
PLEASE NOTE THE EXACT START POINT WILL BE CONFIRMED NEARER THE TIME AND SO MAY VARY FROM THAT DESCRIBED BELOW
Unless told otherwise nearer the time then 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.
OS Grid Ref: SK 10935 91446; Lat/long: 53.4197,-1.8370; What3Words: thumps.jumbo.thrusters
Birchen Clough lay-by parking, A57 Snake Pass, near Glossop, Derbyshire, S33 0BJ [View in Google maps https://goo.gl/maps/v2AqaxuLkHvh91hU7]
WHEN WILL THE WORK TAKE PLACE?
The date is Saturday 23rd March 2024. 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. The parking location fills up quickly at weekends so please arrive in plenty of time (suggest before 9am). We expect to be returning to our cars by 4 pm.
WHO CAN TAKE PART
BMC members (and their friends) who are adults (those 18 and over) only. No dogs, sorry!
You MUST NOT attend this event if:
● you have any of the recognised key symptoms of Covid-19, or feel unwell
● you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 recently or have reason to suspect that you are presently suffering from Covid-19
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 for someone on the waiting list, 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. If you have any questions or require any further information you may contact Peter via peak10roam-bmc@yahoo.co.uk.