Kinder Scout Fence

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

How temporary are these measures though; if the plateau is overgrazed, why would you allow sheep back on again once it’s recovered, hence the fence and blanket bog must surely be permanent, if they’re serious about its long term future.

I do understand what you're saying......and I really don't know the answer.

God, I hate debates!

maybe I’m being melodramatic and making a mountain out of a peat bog

LOL Not at all! You're just expressing your opinion and there's nowt wrong with that!

Tracey

[Aminion]

[quote=Richard G.;703199]I’m on Bleaklow/Shelf Stones more often than Kinder, but other than the Pennine Way and Doctor’s Gate, there are no rights of way and precious few other paths; exercising my right to roam is done more by necessity than desire. In fact my most used routes onto Kinder are via Sandy Heys or over Harry Hut, both include pathless sections according to the map.


A point worth noting is that Bleaklow/Shelf Stones already has just such a temporary sheep fence around it and is under long term restoration of eroding peat. It is good that Richard G is enjoying that area without discernable effect and I think that the National Trust would hope to achieve the same result on Kinder (and ultimately allow sheep to enjoy the area again).

[ChrisJB]

I think it is a good thing. The moors between Kinder and Haworth I have been yomping across since I was a lad and I love them, but in many places, underfoot it can be a bit of a mess after rains. I only have to think about the first time I walked over to Black Hill (1987). It was a real nightmare then and the trig' point was nigh on impossible to reach. It has improved a great deal up there in recent years with footpath repairs, and the once black plateau is now almost fully vegetated, I suspect partly (or wholly?) due to a reduction in sheep numbers.
Fenced off plots nearer to my end, on Marsden Moor, have worked a treat and within them the moors are regenerating well. In places even the odd small birch sapling is starting to appear. And I usually find there are enough stiles not to inconvenience me too much.
I suppose there is a certain amount of symbolism in fencing off the Kinder plateau, but it won't put me off. I think the late great access champions like G.H.B Ward, Tom Stephenson and Benny Rothman would probably approve as well considering what is trying to be achieved.

Chris