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A scene of early morning destruction on Longridge Fell has prompted an angry response from lovers of the local beauty spot.
Posting on the Longridge Facebook group on Sunday, 13 April, Colin Atkins’ photos showed a litter-strewn landscape and even the scorched remains of a fire, something which could have been particularly disastrous with its potential to spark a moorland fire during one of the driest Springs on record.
With the view over Chipping and the Bleasdale Fells described in a recently published guidebook to Ribble Valley walks as ‘one of the finest in Lancashire’, Colin’s post prompted a flurry of comments from Facebook users.
Chrissy Howarth said: “The ground is so dry at the moment, that could have started of a wildfire,” while Sally Ann Mason added: “I’ll tidy it if it’s still there when I next walk my dogs. Tidied up fireworks after bonfire night too. Makes me so angry, spoiling such a beautiful place.”
With 86 comments on the post, many asked why there wasn’t more respect for the countryside.
Zoe Hargreaves said: “Can’t understand why people leave/dump rubbish. Presumably they go to places like this because it’s nice, but then they proceed to spoil it. Same up Beacon Fell and Marles Woods. It’s disgusting.”
Up until this week, Lancashire had experienced an unusually dry March and April which means that moorland areas, such as Longridge Fell, are more prone to wildfires as tinderbox conditions prevail so early in the year.
This has prompted Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to remind people to respect the countryside when they are out and about and to be especially mindful of fire risks.
In a statement on its website, it says: “As we enjoy the beautiful outdoors across Lancashire – whether it’s our moors, sand dunes, forests, or wide-open spaces – we urge everyone to take extra care to help prevent further fires. Wildfires can spread quickly, and it’s essential that we all do our part in keeping our landscapes safe.
“Here are a few key tips to help prevent wildfires:
“Take your rubbish home: Glass bottles, when exposed to sunlight, can start fires. Always make sure to clean up after yourself and take your rubbish with you.
“Avoid smoking on the moors: If you must smoke, always make sure to properly extinguish and dispose of your cigarette butts. Never throw them out of your car window.
“No disposable BBQs on the moors: Instead of bringing a barbecue, pack a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty responsibly.”
