News

DANBY MOOR OPEN DAY

15th June 2006

By kind permission of The Viscount Downe, the Dawnay Estates will throw open the gates to the public for a guided moorland walk on Sunday 25th June at 2.00 pm. There will be several interactive stopping points along the two mile route with breath-taking views across this beautiful Estate, the Esk Valley and the North York Moors. This will be a perfect family afternoon with refreshments and free entry organised by the Moorland Association, and the Countryside Alliance.

Along the circular walk, local Head keeper, Peter Snaith and farmer Martin Muir will show visitors every aspect of life on the moors including red grouse and sheep management and how gamekeeper and farmer work together to maintain the rare and beautiful heather of the North York Moors. Anyone keen to exercise their new right of access to open country in the area will discover how it is being put into practice, whilst protecting the wildlife and livelihoods of the moors. The ancient history of the Estate, going back to the Norman Conquest, will also be revealed.

Working on the moors around the clock, all year, gamekeepers have a wealth of knowledge about important and rare ground nesting birds and interesting moorland plants. Said Peter Snaith: “Amongst other things, we will explain to visitors how we carefully burn small patches of heather to create new shoots for the grouse and sheep to feed on, and how this creates a patchwork of different habitats that suits other birds like curlew, lapwing, golden plover and merlin. Daily control of predators like foxes, crows, stoats and weasels gives all ground nesting birds a chance of survival.”

At the end of the guided walk the Estate will be providing a cup of tea and a grouse taster. North York Moors Rangers, farmers, keepers and representatives of the Estate, Moorland Association and Countryside Alliance will also be available to answer questions.

Anyone wishing to come along should book by calling 01833 695749 or email enquiries@moorland-open-days.co.uk. Please do not bring your dog.

The Moorland Visitor’s Code is essential reading for anyone planning a moorland walk and is available free from 0870 120 6466:

The Moorland Visitor’s Code.
• Check www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk to see what is open for you (and your dog) and follow any local signs
• Dogs must be on a short lead (less than 2 metres) during the breeding season – 1st March – 31st July.
• Never light fires on moorland, not even gas stoves or barbecues, and respect warning signs during periods of high fire risk in the spring and summer
• Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Consider other people – moorland keepers and farmers play a crucial role in the well being of the moors

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