Sheffield Moors Partnership Meeting Report

I attended a workshop session of the Sheffield Moors Partnership recently.  What the hell’s that I hear you say?  Well, the Sheffield Moors covers an enormous area stretching all the way from Froggatt and Curbar on the Eastern Moors  through Longshaw, Blackamoor, Houndkirk, Burbage to North Lees and Redmires reservoir.  As you can see, that encompasses a hell of a lot of good riding.  The authorities who manage the land have realised that it will be a good plan to coordinate their work and, as far as possible, to follow similar management plans.

Why does this matter to us?  Well, one of the stated aims is to create a more cohesive access network.  As we all know, there are plenty of bridleways that finish in the middle of nowhere and it would be a massive step forward if land managers were to emulate the new team on the Eastern Moors and create a more joined up network.  It’s important we’re involved in the process from the start so that good trails don’t end up being motorways and new trails are as interesting as possible.  So, more focus groups and meetings to attend, but it should be worth it in the end.  The National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and the rest seem to have a much more enlightened attitude to recreation now than ever before, so influencing their decisions through forums like this has to be to our advantage.
John Horscroft