The Devastation of Ilkley Moor

This morning (Monday April 22) I walked up to Ilkley Moor to view at first hand the fire destruction caused to our beautiful moor by fire. Rather than the green swathes of growing grasses and leaves I was greeted with a burned and charred landscape – such a heartbreaking sight. In the distance I saw ducks running along the black earth and birds flying overhead suddenly change direction at the sight below.

Our moorland is precious to us all but very vulnerable – even more so with climate change affecting our weather. Here we are in April and yet where is the rain, where are the April showers.

Climate change is upon us and we need to act fast in order to protect our environment and precious bio systems. People who visit must take responsibility and protect the moor. There are signs on the moor asking visitors not to light fires – all visitors must now be vigilant and stop people who may be putting our moor at risk. Of course this does not just affect the moor but the fire fighters who have done an amazing job working all hours to put the fire out – as a parent of a fire fighter involved in tacking the fire I know how hard these people have worked and are still working in terrible conditions to control the fire which is burning deep into the peat.

Surely, the time has come to put the needs of the environment first.

Yours sincerely

Pauline Allon

Wheatley Road

Ilkley