Did you know that you could help save our local moors – Rishworth Common and Turley Holes - by volunteering for one of the largest moorland conservation initiatives in Europe?
MoorLIFE, an exciting project run by Edale-based Moors for the Future Partnership and funded by the EU LIFE+ programme is now recruiting local volunteers to help monitor its moors.
This is a unique opportunity for local people to get involved and help save our moorlands by collecting data to secure the future of these precious habitats. As a volunteer you will be contributing to MoorLIFE’s aim of restoring moorland which has been damaged by the combined effects of wildfires and more than 150 years of industrial pollution.
Volunteers will get involved in collecting data from dipwells which monitor water levels, as well as checking vegetation cover and identifying key moorland native plants.
You will receive training and work on the moors in teams alongside Moors for the Future scientists. As well as being able to see at first hand the dramatic changes that are taking place on the uplands, you’ll acquire all sorts of new skills such as identifying native plants, learning about peatland hydrology and collecting and recording data.
Catherine Wynn, MoorLIFE project manager says:
“Measuring and recording the effects of our work on the moors is absolutely essential.The information we gather will allow us to assess the impact of what we’re doing, identify what’s working (and what isn’t) and set targets for the future.
“This unique and beautiful landscape is internationally important and it’s a great privilege to be entrusted with ensuring that it isn’t lost to future generations. Local people have a fantastic opportunity to make their own contribution to this exciting and important work and we’re looking forward to building some great teams of local enthusiasts over the autumn and winter.”
What you need to know
To volunteer you must be 18 or over and reasonably fit, as the conservation sites can be remote and some walking over rough terrain will be involved. Appropriate outdoor clothing is essential and you should be ready to spend a full day out in the field – perhaps even without mobile phone reception! You’ll need your own transport, although Moors for the Future can make a reasonable contribution towards travel expenses.