Conservationists issue call to respect countryside

CONSERVATIONISTS are calling on members of the public to respect the countryside after reports of littering and vandalism in a number of areas of the North West.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has had reports of fly-tipping on its reserves and in other beauty spots.

And after arsonists set fire to a large area of the West Pennine Moors, the conservation charity is asking everyone to protect wild areas particularly during the lockdown.

Director of conservation Tim Mitcham said: “We have found fly-tipping at our Longworth Clough Nature Reserve and I have heard of other cases on the West Pennine Moors. The recent fire on Horden Stoops and down towards Ward’s Reservoir, close to Belmont, also caused significant damage over three square kilometres.

“This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is protected because of its peatland landscape and distinctive wildlife.”

Disturbances to this area will affect thousands of different species in the coming months particularly during the nesting season.

Tim said: “We have seen increased activity at our urban edge reserves, places like Lunt Meadows, Heysham Moss and Foxhill Bank are seeing a lot of activity during the lockdown, particularly from dog walkers.

Hopefully, the majority of users are doing so respectfully and keeping dogs on leads and to the paths, as nesting birds are easily disturbed at this time and wildflowers easily damaged.

“We have cleared away the rubbish at Longworth Clough and, hopefully, it will not become a regular thing.”

While there are restrictions on travelling to beauty spots and many nature reserves are closed to the public, the Wildlife Trust was still expecting an influx of visitors during warm days in lockdown.

Campaign manager Alan Wright said: “Isolated areas have become more isolated and a couple of selfish people are using this as an excuse to dump their trash or cause damage.

“Surely, they realise that if they destroy these areas, there will be fewer beautiful areas, plants and creatures for their children and grandchildren to experience.

“Also, if anyone sees something suspicious please do not approach the people involved, but do contact the police or the local land owner.”

The Wildlife Trust is recommending that people go out to their own local wild areas, close to their homes, without travelling too far.

The Wildlife Trust is monitoring nature reserves over lockdown. These reserves are part of the UK’s Nature Recovery Network, ensuring wildlife have safe places to live and breed.