Hike plan fears
HUNDREDS of people could descend on Dovedale next month as part of a religious gathering organised by a Muslim scholar from Birmingham.
The City of Knowledge Academy has sold out all 600 free tickets for its “Dovedale Hike with Shaykh Mohammed Aslam”, which is due to take place on Sunday, July 4.
Described by the organiser as a “family day out” with “everyone welcome”, the 600 allocated tickets for the event appear to have sold out within a week, and an earlier post about three free minibuses being offered by Birmingham-based firm Travel SOS has been removed.
On the online booking website Eventbrite, Mohammed Aslam describes the hike as a chance for Mawlid (a celebration of the birthday of a holy figure), a picnic, reminders, Nashids (vocal music), and exploring nature.
The website states: “The Dovedale Hike is aimed to increase brotherhood, strengthen bonds, relax the mind, help rejuvenate the soul, and allow us all to truly appreciate the
creation of Allah. “Dovedale is a renowned beauty spot, two to three miles along the river Dove, with stunning scenery and many walks.
“The family-friendly hike will consist of breaks for reminders, Q&A, Nashids and picnic.
“Don’t forget to bring extra food so you can share it with others.”
One of the stipulations of the event is that women must be accompanied by a Mahram a man they are not allowed to marry, usually a close relative.
News of the event has alarmed locals, who have been growing increasingly frustrated by hour-long traffic queues and huge gatherings in Thorpe, Ilam and Dovedale.
In many cases, the influxes have led to mountains of litter being left, and frequent reports of daytrippers ignoring new rules banning open fires and barbecues.
One villager, who did not want to be named, said: “I just can’t believe this is being allowed to go ahead, it’s frightening.
“I respect everyone has a right to come and enjoy the countryside, and of course I
accept that it’s part of living in a beautiful area, but recently it’s just getting too much.
“And not enough people are taking care of the countryside when they visit.
“The litter they leave is horrendous, the barbecues are still being lit, despite obvious signs, and it’s all having a catastrophic impact on what is a very delicate site of special scientific interest.
“And that’s before you consider the current health dangers of so many people flocking in from a city, and gathering in one small space, especially with all the new variants of coronavirus being detected. I honestly hope it can be stopped, I’m that concerned about it.”
The National Trust, which owns and manages the valley that runs through Dovedale and Milldale, says it is aware of the July event and they are trying to contact the organiser.
A spokesman said: “We support events and activities that promote people’s enjoyment of the Peak District, however they need to be carefully managed so the beauty and precious habitat that people go there to enjoy are protected now and for the future.
“This is why all organisers of events wishing to take place in the Peak District National Park are encouraged to work with, and seek permissions from, the land owners involved.
“While it has been wonderful to see people getting out into the fresh air and connecting with nature, during the pandemic, over the past 12 months the Peak District has experienced a significant and sustained increase in visitors, which has put higher than normal pressure on the local environment.
“To mitigate the impact, this year we are limiting the size and number of organised events taking place on our land. We have recently been made aware of the Hike with Shaykh Aslam event and we are trying to make contact with the organiser to discuss the details.
“As with the other event organisers we are working with, we will look to see whether the event could be managed to lessen the impacts to nature, local communities and other visitors as well as be in line with our approach to events this year.”
The News Telegraph has contacted Shaykh Aslam, but we have not received a response.
I just can’t believe this is being allowed to go ahead, it’s frightening... recently it’s just getting too much.
Villager