Moorland Wonderscape.
Eco Arts and Environmental Conservation Project.
About the Project
The project has two principle aims:
1) To increase access to the Peak District National Park and encourage healthy, active lifestyles
2) To increase participation in environmental conservation projects on the moorlands
Manchester Rambler
"I'm a rambler, I'm a rambler from Manchester way
I get all me pleasure the hard moorland way
I may be a wageslave on Monday
But I am a free man on Sunday" - Ewan MacColl, 1983
These aims will be achieved through activities organised for visitors at events in the Peak District National Park and organised day trips for groups from Sheffield . Community groups will be invited to join us for an excursion to the village of Edale where they will visit the Moorland Visitor Centre and learn about the local area. They will then be invited to participate in a wildlife monitoring activity on a guided walk, followed by an art workshop where participants will be asked to reflect upon their experiences. The Art work created will be entered into a competition and displayed online and in a community exhibition in Sheffield City.
Increasing Access
The Peak District National Park was established in 1951 and covers an area of 555 miles² (1,438 km²) across parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. The moorland landscape is a brilliant area to enjoy beautiful scenery and long walks in the countryside.
However, many people living in urban areas in the North have little awareness of the fantastic resource that is literally on their doorstep. For others, there are perceived barriers to access, such as cost, transport or unfamiliarity, that prevent them from making use of the Peak District National Park.
The project aims to overcome some of these barriers and to inspire people to start accessing the moorlands and make changes to lead healthier, "moor" active lifestyles in the great outdoors.
Environmental Conservation
Few people realise the ecological significance of the moorland habitat for the global environment. Climate change, over-farming, atmospheric pollution from surrounding cities and the use of pesticides has led to degradation of the peat bogs and affected the population ranges of many species native to the moorland habitat.
The Moors for the Future Partnership do a huge amount of work to maintain the moorlands for visitors and future generations to enjoy. Their conservation work includes the Heritage Lottery Funded Community Science Project which encourages citizens to assist with protecting the moorland habitat. With alternatives suitable for participants of all ages, volunteers can help monitor population levels of moorland species such as Curlew and Red Grouse. This will help to create national data bases that allow us to understand the impacts of climate change.
Manchester Rambler, recorded by Ewan MacColl on "Black And White" (1983) copyright Ewan MacColl Ltd.
