10th November 2011
Judith Bromley’s latest book – Climb Up to The Moor – follows ‘Step into the Meadow’ and ‘Come Down to the Wood’ and is a celebration in words and paintings of the glorious yet fragile countryside managed for red grouse around the village of Askrigg in the Yorkshire Dales. In his introduction to the book, Moorland Association member, Earl Peel, delights in how Judith and Robert capture all the vibrant colours, energy and visitors that the different seasons have to offer and pays tribute to the management of the moors that brings so much beauty to so many.
“……I can fully appreciate that to the casual observer much of the open expanses appear wild and uncared for, without being subject to the rigours of normal farmland. Apart from the mosaic patterns created by burning, and the casual effect of grazing by sheep, little else happens. In reality, of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
Heather burning is a specialist art, aimed at producing a rich and varied habitat not just for grouse and sheep, but also for those migratory birds that grace the moorland in spring and in summer. It is conducted in such a way as to avoid erosion and excessive heat so often created by accidental fires.
The gamekeeper spends much of his time carrying out the judicious control of certain predators. This is not simply to produce enough grouse to be shot and thus provide the economic dynamo to ensure that such management continues, but also contributes to the survival of the collection of iconic birds such as the curlew and green and golden plover, which are an integral part of our moorland landscape. Indeed recent research now shows that it is only on the keepered grouse moors that such species maintain a sustainable population.”
This book, through its unique combination of words and pictures illustrates in a wonderfully delicate and personal way the very special nature of our moorland. It represents the reflections of someone who effortlessly identifies with the majestic landscape and I hope that it serves to remind those of us who share in it how fortunate we are, and to encourage others to come and share its beauty.” Willie Peel
You can read more about Climb up to the Moor or order it from here www.askrigg-studios.co.uk/climb-up-to-the-moor
