Appeal cash helps repair moor damage
A FUNDRAISING appeal launched after a series of devastating fires on Marsden Moor has now raised over £100,000.
The most serious blaze, which began on April 21 this year, raged for four days and destroyed 700 hectares of land.
Large areas of peat soils were also destroyed, which will take years and thousands of pounds to restore.
It’s estimated that £500,000 will be needed to repair the damage.
National Trust rangers and volunteers have made a special video to thank National Trust members and everyone who donated – and have revealed how the cash is being used.
General manager Craig Best said: “It’s amazing to have that support from the National Trust Members and the local community. The money will be used to help restore the landscape and the special peat habitats we have at Marsden.
“We’ll also use it to work with the local community to reduce the risk of these kind of fires starting again. It’s hugely important that people are aware of the risk of fires on the landscape.
“Because of climate change, these upland areas are hugely susceptible to wildfire. Using barbecues or lighting fires can result in a huge amount of damage.”
Rangers and partners including the Moors for the Future Partnership have been planting sphagnum mosses, which will help bring the peat back. The planting will also mean the moors are wetter, reducing the risk of future fires.
Scout groups have also been helping with the planting.
Other preventative work includes creating vegetation breaks alongside roads.
The Trust says the mowed strips mean there is less flammable grass, which can help prevent the fire spreading.
Fencing and signs burnt in the fire have been repaired and the Trust has been working with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Be Moor Aware campaign, with banners and posting raising awareness of what the public can do to prevent wildfires.
The money raised by the appeal will be used to help the rangers continue their work.
Ranger Jack Simmons said: “One of the great things that has come out of the fire is the massive positive response from the local community, to know that we are supported with the work that we do up the hill. So a big thank you from me.”
Project manager Rosie Holdsworth said the funding was improving Marsden Moor’s future resilience to wildfires.
She said: “We’ve been cutting vegetation breaks so the fire can’t spread as easily. We’re also using it to re-wet the moorland, planting sphagnum moss that lives up there naturally, so we can soak up loads of water.
“This will turn the moorland back into the sponge that it should be and help prevent it setting on fire again.
The National Trust manages 2,300 hectares of Marsden Moor, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protected Area and a special Area of Conservation.