10,000 trees destroyed

Moorland fires which swept across the hills above Saddleworth destroyed 10,000 young trees planted only two years ago, it has been revealed.

Up to 11 hectares of newly-planted trees, established with a £25,000 grant from the Forestry Commission have been decimated.

The inferno, which raged two weeks ago, is thought to have been started deliberately.

Helen Wilson, of United Utilities, said: “If these fires were started deliberately, then it was an act of sheer stupidity and mindless vandalism.

“We had little rain over the last month, so the ground was very dry.

“We would urge visitors to take care to avoid starting fires and to report any suspicious activity to the rangers or police.”

Firefighters fought to contain the blaze in the darkness of the Yeoman Hey site on Saturday, April 10, but by the time the fire was out at 8am the following day, the damage was done.

Geoff Frost (67) is a retired ranger for the national park and has lived near the water’s edge of Yeoman Hey Reservoir for 29 years.

He said: “It was quite spectacular at night with the orange glow and reflection on the reservoir — it felt somewhat surreal.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to help fight these fires anymore though, I have lost count of the amount of fires we have had here.

“It is a real shame the trees have been destroyed.”

A further 40 hectares of grassland was burned, but fire crews managed to stop the fire spreading onto the tops of the moors and affecting the peat.

Roy Taylor, Peak District area manager for the RSPB, said: “A careless act could have destroyed something that everyone can enjoy. It can be avoided.”