An 18km Wildfire Walk has raised over £11,000 towards a campaign to protect popular Peak District hiking and climbing areas from devastating fires.
A group of 30 people, dressed brightly in ‘fire’ colours, walked from Hathersage along the Peak District edges, raising awareness on the way round.
It was part of a campaign by the The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to raise £100,000 – and increase wildfire awareness – to help protect and restore popular Peak District areas through its charity, the BMC Access & Conservation Trust.
Communications and fundraising officer, Claire Maxted, said: “Late last year we secured a £50,000 grant to employ a dedicated Wildfire Engagement Officer for the high-risk Sheffield Moors area – including Stanage, Burbage, Curbar and Froggatt. He now patrols and educates the public around the dangers of wildfire, aided by his team of volunteers and in collaboration with the hugely skilled staff from the Peak District National Park, National Trust and Eastern Moors Partnership.
“Already halfway to our total, in May we won a £20,000 National Lottery grant to help restore 81.2 hectares (114 football pitches) of peat bog burned within this area since 2018. Our latest fundraising efforts include the sponsored Wildfire Walk of fundraisers and BMC staff, plus staff from the Peak District National Park, National Trust, Eastern Moors Partnership and Moors for the Future Partnership.”
She added: “We now have a final £19,000 to raise to hit our target. These funds will help protect the Stanage, Burbage, Curbar and Froggatt moors from wildfires and rehabilitate – in collaboration with the Moors for the Future Partnership – moorland lost to wildfire.”