Saddleworth Moor fires to hit the screen

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 17 July 2019


Campaigning Joe Wheeler has taken his fight to highlight issues of fire-ravaged moors to the television screen.

He was just 17 when he saw his first wildfire, a terrifying blaze engulfing parts of Saddleworth Moor and ignited fear, anger and frustration across hillside villages a year ago.

Now the Springhead student and former head boy at Saddleworth School is committed to saving the environment, starting with his hometown moors. 

The UK has had more wildfires in half of 2019 than any year on record and as temperatures rise the wildfires are predicted to become more frequent, larger and much harder to contain. 

And Joe is on mission to learn why these fires are so bad and what he can do to help play a part in protecting the iconic landscape.

He takes the lead in a punchy four-minute video film on ‘BBC Stories’, a programme aimed at younger audiences on the broadcaster’s major social media platforms, the BBC website, and BBC app.

Joe, highlights awareness and support for the RSPB, GMFRS, and Dovestone W.I. who are putting in place a multitude of preventative measures to minimise the potential for further wildfires.

He says: “My involvement came directly from a recommendation of Jessica Moreland, President of Dovestone W.I, who had been in contact with the BBC on her new Countryside Safety Marshal Scheme. 

Joe filmed up on the Moors above Saddleworth

“The reaction from our community has been amazing. People have been extremely supportive and kind about the video and glad the restoration and preventative work is being publicised now as opposed to the reckless actions of the perpetrators.

“I was humbled and honoured to appear in this short film, but the real credit and thanks needs to be directed towards Jessica and her fantastic team of Countryside Safety Marshals who are dedicating their own personal time to protect our environment. 

“And thanks also to the RSPB who are doing great restoration work on the moors to return them to their original state. 

“They are successfully attempting to make the moorland wetter through the use of sphagnum moss, which acts similarly to a sponge, and keeps water up on the moors for longer, making the moor harder to burn.

“They are the real great people, I am just happy and proud to support them. 

“Tackling environmental damage is a team effort, and I am looking forward to creating/getting involved with new programmes surrounding this in the future.”

Joe gained A levels at Bluecoat and is scheduled to study politics at York later this year.

Jessica Moreland said: “Joe is much respected and part of a generation that has the ability to change behaviours and attitudes concerning the environment and climate change in the coming years. 

“His support and encouragement for myself and my fellow comrades towards the idea and creation of a brand new Dovestone W.I. launched earlier this year has been unwavering.  

“His appearance in the short film produced but the BBC was intended to highlight the issues surrounding the lack of understanding and education in matters pertaining to how our behaviours, in today's society effect the countryside and the environment on a cataclysmic scale. 

“Hopefully the message he was conveying will be heard and understood by his fellow millennials, and his proposed plans for his future in politics will continue to address the issues surrounding this issue. 

“This issue isn't going to just mend itself. We, as a community and a nation as a whole have to step up, like Joe has and start making changes.”

The film was produced and directed by Shannon McCormack and filmed and edited by Cebo Luthuli.

For more information about Dovestone WI and their countryside marshals project, check: www.dovestonewi.com

 


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