National Trust organise public meeting following spate of moorland fires

A public meeting is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) following a spate of moorland fires on Marsden Moor.

The event, which is being held at the Marsden Mechanics Institute, is a chance for the public to hear about the ongoing preventative work and the latest on the investigations into how the fires begun. 

The most recent fire began at about 8pm on Tuesday, May 30, and affected an area of land above the Wessenden Valley, stretching towards Deer Hill reservoir.

Rangers and fire crews remain on site this week. 

Working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the team have used specialist equipment, including all-terrain vehicles, fogging probes and water backpacks.

Teams from other National Trust sites have also been called in to fight the fire, including from the Peak District, Brimham Rocks and Hardcastle Crags. 

National Trust Resilient Landscape Officer, Kate Divey-Matthews, said: “This meeting is a chance for the public to learn more about the devastation these fires have caused to this landscape, why they spread so quickly and what we can do to prevent future fires. 

"They can also find out more about what the National Trust’s ranger team do during a fire like this. 

"With at least 3 sq kms destroyed by fire this year alone, we’ve seen burnt nests, curlew eggs and frogs.

"The fires have also destroyed biodiversity and damaged peat soils, which are important for water quality and carbon capture.” 

National Trust rangers will be joined by colleagues from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, who will talk about the specialist skills they need to fight fires, and when the public should call 999. 

Those attending the meeting can also hear from West Yorkshire Police’s rural crime team, about ongoing investigation work. In April, two fires on Pule Hill and the Wessenden Valley started just hours apart.

These are being investigated as arson. 

Meeting details: June 14, 6.30pm, Marsden Mechanics Institute, Peel Street, Marsden. No need to book.

Further details are available by clicking here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.