Reeth Agricultural Show
Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group
What a fabulous day for YDMG at Reeth Agricultural Show in the heart of the Dales. This very popular show is a highlight in the rural calendar for local folk and a large section of the visiting public. An estimate 6.5k people flocked to the event on Bank Holiday Monday and the YDMG embraced the day speaking to the public about the merits of grouse shooting and the importance of moorland management. Awarded by the revered show judges it was a real honour to win first prize, a rosette and cup for the best stand at the show. Well done to all the keepers for making this happen!
The stand featured informative and educational material, photographs and very important scientific facts about the uplands and why they need to be managed in the sustainable fashion they are today.
There were opportunities for children to colour in wader sheets, draw wildlife and a chance to try their hand at fire control using a water jet provided by one of our local estates.
Members of the public were in constant flow throughout the day coming to the stand to engage with the moor keepers and to learn about the work they undertake. This was an excellent opportunity to integrate and explain about the conservation projects being carried out and talk about the real truths concerning our moors and the wildlife that thrives there.
The stand was a real crowd puller featuring tactile displays, interactive elements about moss, peat and moorland hydrology as well as taxidermy and examples of what unmanaged moorland looks like compared to the properly managed moorland that is an admiral feature of the local landscape.
Emphasis was also placed on carbon capture, rewetting strategies, wildfire mitigation and the impacts that abandonment policies could have on our precious moors including the ill-conceived restrictions on prescribed burning in the face of climate change.
These events are undoubtedly an excellent way to connect with the public on a personal level. Equipping the public with the facts, showing them the realities of moor management and hearing them directly from grass roots keepers really is a constructive and productive way forward.
Great work YDMG!