Moorland Festival For The Peak

The Peak District-based Moors for the Future project is running its first ever 'Moorland Festival' from 10-25 September, 2005.

The fortnight-long event is intended to raise awareness of the fragile moorland habitat of the Peak and to celebrate its heritage. Highlights of the festival include 'have a go' dry stone walling, heather seed spreading, stunning moorland walks, informative runs with an archaeologist and cycle rides.

Various organisations with links to the moorland-saving group are involved with, for example, United Utilites leading a walk entitled 'The Story of Water' from Longdendale near Glossop. This six-mile ranger-led walk follows water from its source on the moors and finishes with a talk on water treatment and a well-earned cup of tea.

You can find more detailed information and a leaflet from all Peak District National Park visitor centres or at www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk alternatively just call the Moors for the Future office on 01433 621656 for further information.

Moors for the Future began in 2002, to reverse damage to some of the world's rarest habitats caused by erosion, pollution, fires and over-grazing. Blanket bog, such as that found on Bleaklow, is found in only four places in the world, and is more threatened than the Amazonian rainforest.

It is run by a partnership of 12 organisations with a stake in the future of the moors, and is funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund.