16th March 2015
May 1 to 3, 2015
As anticipation mounts for the first ever Tour de Yorkshire, the county’s moorlands are poised to form a stunning backdrop to the many scenic stretches.
Stage one, on Friday, May 1, passes through the North York Moors, via beautiful Rosedale Valley, flanked by Spaunton and Rosedale moors, before riders reach Danby Moor. As they leave Whitby, their route takes them through Fylingdales Moor.
Sunday’s stage three will give competitors another glimpse of magnificent grouse moorland at Walshaw, Keithley, Bingley and Haworth.
All these moorlands are precious and protected landscapes that are the last safe havens for many ground-nesting birds. The UK has 75 per cent of what is left of Europe’s upland heather moorland. Exceptional habitats see many endangered and threatened birds doing well, including curlew, lapwing, merlin, our smallest falcon, and golden plover.
Spectators are urged to enjoy the wonders of these remarkable landscapes and be mindful of a few simple guidelines to help preserve land rarer than rainforest and its abundant wildlife.
To help farmers and land managers and protect wildlife and the glorious landscape, please be mindful of the following:
- When walking, follow signs and keep to paths and roads
- Please leave your dog at home if planning to visit these moors during Tour de Yorkshire. Although moorlands fall within open access land, dog restrictions and exclusions are in place between March 1 and July 31 to protect ground nesting birds. Please check www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/use-your-right-to-roam and http://www.openaccess.naturalengland.org.uk/wps/portal/oasys/maps/MapSearch
- Dropped matches, broken glass, or smouldering cigarette ends can cause devastating, uncontrolled moorland fires –particularly if it is dry and hot. If you see an unattended fire, please ring 999 and alert Tour de Yorkshire stewards
- Take all rubbish home and remember gas stoves, barbecues, camp fires and camping are illegal on moorland
- Use gates and styles – climbing on or over walls, hedges or fences will damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping
- Please leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs
- Only park and camp in designated areas
- Leave no trace of your visit
Enjoy what promises to be a spectacular event!
Further tour information on www.letour.yorkshire.com
