High priority

We asked: why are mountain areas important? You said…

Andrew Holt They are pretty much the only areas of the UK that are largely undeveloped by mankind. For me it’s an escape from the fake society we live in. A place where I can go where I choose and feel at one with nature. Drew Boyd Because they remind some that even the places that we think of as ‘untouched by mankind’ have actually been utterly devastated for so long that even the wise have forgotten that once there were great forests there. It is within our power to bring them back but we need to educate. Stuart McDonald Having lived in Essex for 33 years, but now Rossendale, escaping to the Lakes or the Highlands is a pleasure to look forward to. Walking where it is remote and meeting like-minded people is a joy. Some of the last places unspoilt by civilisation... let’s keep it that way. Andy Brown They are a place to escape from the madness of modern life. The silence, tranquillity and stunning vistas are good for the spirit and soul. Steve Mattok I love escaping from my problems; they calm me down and keep me sane. Dave Horner On a personal level it’s an escape from the rubbish of day-to-day life. Colin Humphreys Simple: they are just stunning to look at. Nick Prost They create a natural challenge for people to conquer, and with the diversity of the mountains, theirs is a diversity of challenge for people of all abilities. Kevin O’Sullivan Without mountains our weather would be bland and benign: the entire countryside would be fenced off for farming and animals. There would be little chance to escape and refresh your soul! Michael Kent The mountains for me are my passion. I’m an artist, and most of my inspiration comes from the natural beauty and solitude that the mountains hold, and all the hidden gems of wildlife trying to survive in this real environment. This is just my kind of world; that means a lot to me. Kenny Duff Environment, climate, ecology… the list goes on. They are an essential, and luckily they are beautiful too. Brian McLean First for its natural beauty, and on occasion to escape the stress and hustle and bustle of daily life... Sweet. Nigel Summersby They’re a true natural high, man! Who needs drugs? Wanna get high?! Go climb a mountain. Kris Wright Sheep with one leg shorter than the other would topple over.