Moorland Morning.

Peak District Moorland Group

A 05:00 start earlier this week to meet our guests on our first Moorland Morning - wildlife watching safari.

Our High Peak MP, Robert Largan MP, joined Glossop Mountain Rescue Support Team, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)personnel, National Farmers Union, our local moth expert and others to take a walk up through our inby ground then out onto the high tops, invitees that sadly couldn’t commit to coming missed a cracking morning.

With the poor weather of late, thankfully, we were blessed with a cool but dry and bright morning.

Using our thermal spotter we quickly picked out numerous mountain hare and grouse whilst listening to the curlew bubbling away all around us in the half light. As daylight improved we observed pipit, skylark, teal, mallard, geese, pied wagtail, lapwing, ring ouzel, sparrowhawk, raven, rabbits, wheatear and golden plover.

As we walked onto the higher ground we could discuss how the vegetation changes and the real issue of wildfire was discussed - from professional experience it was obvious to the Fire Service personnel what a hazard leaving fuel load in the gullies would be. Moorland restoration was observed and the benefits of moorland pools was discussed along with the advantages for hover flies from our moth expert.

After 4 hours we had seen all our predicted wildlife, apart from our resident Merlin - but the consenting opinion from all, was that they would very much like to have a return visit.

Back to our shoot room for tea and bacon and sausage baps, cooked by the head keepers wife - you are a star!

A resounding success, with new friendships forged and ideas and opinions discussed.

Until the next time…