The BMC welcomes the decision that the RSPB and National Trust are to be given a 15-year lease by the Peak District National Park Authority to manage the Eastern Moors estate, near Sheffield.

The successful bid was strongly supported by the BMC and the Friends of the Peak District.

The 6,200 acre (2,509 hectare) estate is the authority’s largest land-holding and includes the popular walking and climbing areas of Curbar, Froggatt and Birchen Edges as well as Big Moor, Ramsley Moor, Totley Moor, Clod Hall Moor and Leash Fen.

The area is nearly all open access land under CRoW, and is part of the SSSI which runs across Burbage and Stanage to Bleaklow and Kinder.  It is an important area in terms of landscape, ancient and industrial archaeology, recreation and conservation.

Having supported the bid from its genesis, the BMC will be in a great position to ensure its members have a voice in the management of the area. Thanks go to Adam Long who did a fantastic job of representing the BMC along with Cath Flitcroft and Henry Folkard.

A review of the authority’s properties had recommended the site was leased to a like-minded organisation to increase investment in the estate. Proposals from two partnerships were considered and the National Trust and RSPB's proposal was chosen over a proposal by the Sheffield and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts

The National Trust and the RSPB are delighted to have been given the opportunity.  Laurence Rose, the RSPB’s regional director for Northern England, said: “We are at the start of what promises to be an exciting project to secure the future of this marvellous estate for people and a whole range of wonderful wildlife.  We have many months of discussions in front of us but we can guarantee that we will be listening to what local people and other organisations with a stake in the estate have to say about our plans for the future.”

Beccy Speight, Regional Director for the National Trust in the East Midlands, said: “Eastern Moors is an amazing area, so close to Sheffield and within easy access for huge numbers of people. This is a wonderful opportunity for the RSPB and the National Trust to work hand in hand with existing and potential users to ensure it becomes even more special in the years to come. 

The RSPB and National Trust partnership are expected to begin their 15-year lease period on 1 April 2010 once legal agreements have been signed.

The Peak District National Park Authority has issued a press release.

« Back