People urged to behave responsibly during Autumn Equinox celebrations at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District – following recent incident at historic site
People have been urged to behave responsibly during the upcoming Autumn Equinox celebrations at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle – following a recent incident at the historic Peak District site.
Derbyshire Dales District Council, together with Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA), have urged visitors to make themselves aware of the rules in place as the Autumn Equinox approaches on September 23 and 24.
The Council has issued a Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which make it an offence to light fires or use BBQs at Stanton Moor and other protected sites. This also includes areas managed by PDNPA and the National Trust, such as Dovedale. These restrictions are in place to safeguard Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and reduce the risk of wildfires.
Camping is not permitted under the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 because the site is a scheduled monument. This act makes it an offence to camp there.
Although recent rainfall has eased the summer’s dry conditions, the risk of fires remains present on moorland habitats. Wet ground can give a false sense of safety, but discarded cigarettes, embers and BBQs can still ignite vegetation. Emergency access can also be compromised if roads become blocked by camper vans or parked vehicles.
Inspector John Troup, from Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “Officers will be patrolling Stanton Moor during the Autumn Equinox to engage with visitors and remind them of the PSPOs in place. We ask people not to breach these rules, as doing so may result in a fine. Our priority is keeping people safe and protecting this important landscape.”
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle and surrounding moorland attract visitors each year for the Equinox. The Council and partner agencies are asking people to enjoy the area responsibly and help preserve its archaeological, cultural and ecological significance.
This follows an incident that took place over the August bank holiday weekend, when a group of people were seen lifting stones next to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor as a part of an outdoor exercise. The PDNPA called for people visiting the popular heritage site to behave responsibly, while Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed that causing damage to a scheduled monument was a criminal offence.
A Derbyshire Dales District Council spokesperson added: “Stanton Moor is a cherished and sensitive site, and the PSPOs are there to protect it. We’re asking visitors to respect the landscape, follow the rules, and help us reduce the risk of wildfires.”
Visitors are reminded that fires, BBQs and open flames are not permitted at Stanton Moor, Dovedale or any other PSPO‑covered areas. Everyone is asked to take all litter home, particularly glass, and to park responsibly so emergency vehicles can access the site if needed. During the Equinox, visitors should also follow instructions from police and partner agencies on site to help protect these sensitive landscapes.