FORTY-eight members of Friends of Ilkley Moor gathered at its annual meeting at the Clarke Foley centre on Friday, April 20 to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The evening commenced with a talk by Chris Dean, head of programme delivery for the Moors for the Future Partnership. In a lively talk accompanied by video clips Chris explained how the Partnership had raised over £34million to restore 32 square kilometres of blanket bog in the Peak District. The area had been laid waste by 150 years of industrial pollution from the nearby cities but is now slowly regaining its health. The regeneration creates enormous benefits in improving water quality and managing flood risk from the moorlands.

Chris recommended that even though Ilkley Moor has limited blanket bog FOIM should focus on encouraging the creation of a wetter environment, introduce more sphagnum moss and work on fire prevention.

Danny Jackson, Head of Bradford’s Countryside Service, then explained the measures that were being taken to mitigate against damage to the Moor arising from the Tour de Yorkshire stages which will finish at the Cow & Calf Rocks.

In the formal business of the AGM FOIM chairman Owen Wells stressed how much has been achieved over ten years with over £200,000 in subscriptions and grants funding being spent on footpath repair and maintenance work supported by £225,000 of volunteer time through the weekly working parties.

The existing officers and committee members were re-elected for a further term.

In the question and answer session at the end of the AGM continuing concern was expressed about dog walkers (especially professional dog walkers) who do not clear up after their dogs.

Wine, cheese and refreshments were provided for the enjoyment of those attending.