Many of the landscapes we visit and value as climbers and walkers are dominated by ash woodland, but a fungal disease – ash dieback – is expected to decimate the population of these trees across Britain. Not only might the landscape change dramatically, but also the rapid decay in affected trees can make them dangerous to anyone walking underneath, not to mention climbers who might have up until now relied on ash trees for runners or belays. This could be a new type of objective danger to many of us, but what do we need to know and how can you assess the risk? Read more »
BMC volunteer and uber-keen Yorkshire climber Paul Clarke recently raised the issue of trees encroaching on a number of buttresses and boulders at Brimham Rocks with the BMC access team. Thanks to his great local knowledge and enthusiasm, not to mention invaluable help from the National Trust ranger team who manage the site, a climber's work day took place last weekend to open up some of the climbing areas. Paul reports below on what happened on the (very successful!) day... Read more »
As the number of sites infected with ash die-back doubles to 291 in just a month, researchers are trying to beat the disease by 'crowd sourcing' the scientific community to analyse the genes of the fungus that causes it. But has the government already given up the fight? Read more »
The arrival of the fungus chalara fraxinea in Britain has cast a shadow over the future of one of Britain’s iconic tree species. Climbers and hill walkers can play their part in spotting the disease, but, as Ed Douglas reports, the government’s best scientific advice suggests access restrictions won’t help. Read more »
The BMC welcomes the publication of the Independent Panel on Forestry report and its recommendations to enhance public access – but argues these don’t go far enough in securing access for climbers and hill walkers. Read more »
The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) have recently acquired the Harrison's Rocks site and now wish to develop the woodland, both to enhance the environment, regenerate the woodland and improve the condition of the rock face. Read more »
All the years of work and planning have paid off for the volunteers and climbers who have put time and effort into the restoration over the last four years. Read more »
The annual restoration and celebration of Craig Bwlch y Moch takes place on Saturday 24 April. The aim of this gathering is to trim spring growth from the routes, and have some fun along the way. Read more »
Famous south Peak gritstone venue emerges from the trees as BMC funded woodland management work completed. Read more »
The BMC has arranged for a local tree surgeon to undertake some work at Cratcliffe Tor this weekend (13 & 14 March). Read more »
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