Hope Valley farmers urge visitors to behave responsibly when visiting the Peak District

The last weekend in May saw several wildfires, caused by barbeques and open fires wreaking irreparable damage to woodland, heathland and flower rich grassland and the wildlife that inhabits it.

The exceptionally dry conditions have left farmland, moorland and woodland tinder dry meaning the fire risk is at an all time high.

This, added to the numbers of people visiting the area means the landscape is teetering on the edge of a major disaster.

It is one of the busiest times of year for farmers in the Hope Valley.

Andrew Critchlow, a farmer from Edale and a member of the Hope Valley Farmer group, said: “Farmers understand that those people who have been unable to visit the countryside over lockdown will be keen to get out and enjoy the stunning countryside in the Hope Valley.

“But we are asking visitors to think before they light a barbeque or let their dog off the lead because their actions could have serious consequences.

“With the exceptionally dry conditions, it was only down to the efforts of the

emergency services, local gamekeepers and farmers that a serious fire was averted recently.

“It was lucky the wind was in the east rather than the usual westerly as otherwise the Bamford Edge fire might have burnt to Sheffield, I fear.

“Here in Edale, as I was leaving a neighbouring farm on Saturday afternoon, I

spotted four lads carrying tents, boxes of beers and barbeques.

“I persuaded them not to go on to the moor by letting them camp the night in a field of mine. They filled a bin bag, provided by me, of rubbish which would probably have been left on the moor.

“We understand people want to visit this beautiful area, but it is also farmers’ workplaces and is rich in wildlife. Litter, fires and other waste pose a health risk to wildlife and livestock and we would urge everyone to act responsibly and consider the risks to the countryside and the wildlife and people who live there.”