to put out, consumed miles of moorland habitat, exposed the precious underlying peat and forced Manchester Airport to close. Moorland restoration work in some parts of the Pennines aims at reducing the likelihood of wildfires, but the risk remains, and wild fires can develop in just about any upland area following spells of dry weather (including in cold conditions). Never stub out cigarettes in vegetation and never light campfires on moorland. If you see a fire, note the location and dial 999.
WATCH YOUR STEP
Britain’s most popular mountain areas are arguably the most heavily trodden hills in the world, and serious effort goes into making this human traffic sustainable with the construction of hard-wearing. Use these paths wherever possible; taking shortcuts or walking on the verge can lead to braids
of erosion which cause exponentially expanding scars. Drainage channels and culverts on these paths are key to the effective functioning of these paths; if you see something blocking them up, do your bit by taking a moment to remove it.
RESPECT PLANTS AND WILDLIFE
The natural world forms the filigree that enlivens and enriches our lives, and by respecting wildlife we can demonstrate in our little, microcosmic way that we are inhabitants rather than owners of the world. The fact that ring ouzels breed successfully on Stanage Edge, one of the busiest climbing crags in the world, and that walkers contribute to natural monitoring schemes all over Britain, shows there does not have to be a contradiction between people and wildlife. Never uproot plants; don’t
disturb or distress wildlife; and always observe restrictions put in place to protect rare species of plants or birds.
PUT SOMETHING BACK
From funding cuts to growing visitor numbers, from inappropriate developments to volatile weather, the pressures on the landscapes we love are growing. As a community, we can have an increasingly important role to play in stepping up to meet these challenges. Simply getting into the habit of keeping your eyes peeled for litter, path problems or rare wildlife as you walk can make a difference. If you want to take things further, join a litter- pick like the Real 3 Peaks Challenge; donate money or volunteer your time to path repairs or tree-planting; join with other activists through your local BMC Area. Above all, never underestimate the impact you can make, both bad and good.
Words: Carey Davies. Carey Davies is the BMC hill walking officer. Follow him @BMC_walk
›FURTHER INFO DOWNLOAD:
BMC Green Guide to the Uplands Essential info on how you can help care for the fragile mountain landscape.
www.thebmc.co.uk/green-guide-to-the-uplands
DOWNLOAD: BMC New Hill Walkers Booklet
Our booklet highlights some essential skills you should learn and develop on your trips into the hills and mountains
www.thebmc.co.uk/new-hill-walkers-booklet
WATCH: BMC Hillwalking Essentials R Walking in wild
west Wasdale means no crowds and no litter.
Skills and techniques for hill walking is the fourth title in our popular DVD series.
www.thebmcshop.co.uk
SUMMIT#85 | SPRING 2017 | 75
PHOTO: ALEX MESSENGER.
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