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Wednesday 10 December 2008
The Friends of Ilkley Moor has received the seal of approval from the Charities Commission. The Government regulator ensures that all charities operate for the public benefit, independently of government or commercial interests, and that they operate efficiently and effectively. The Commission also provides assurance to the public that they can have confidence and trust in them that is vitally important for any not for profit organisation.
The Chairman of the Friends of Ilkley Moor, Owen Wells, said "We are thoroughly delighted that the Charities Commission has approved our constitution. The commissiion has very strict conditions that have to be met in order to be registesred". It is, therefore, a great privilege to be able to demonstrate that we meet the standards required.
For further information on the names of the Trustees and the basic charitable objects of the Friends Group, please log on to www.charities-commission gov uk, and type in either the registesred charity number 1126733 or the Friends of Ilkley Moor.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Over 70 stunning images of Ilkley Moor have been launched on The Friends of Ilkley Moor Website Gallery. Said Owen Wells (Chair of The Friends) “Enjoy the visual splendour of Ilkley Moor by browsing our gallery of photographs. All the images can be downloaded in high resolution for high quality reproduction free of charge”.
The Friends would like to thank Gavin Edwards , Andy Savage, Colin Williams and Barry Wilkinson for contributing their photographs free of any charge, without which the picture gallery would not have been possible.
The Friends of Ilkley Moor are now into their second year and following the success of the Events and Learning Programme last year, a new Programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the South Pennines LEADER Programme has now been created with sixteen events ranging from Bird and Bat spotting to Dry-stone walling.
The events start in May through to September. Many projects of renovation and restoration are planned for this year. For access to our gallery and for further information please go into www.ilkleymoor.org
Monday 16 November 2009
1. Ilkley Moor was bought 'as an amenity for the people of Ilkley'. It is an urban common where the public have the right of fresh air and exercise. It follows that public enjoyment of the Moor should always have a priority over the requirements of the shoot.
2. Ilkley Moor is public property. When rights (such as shooting rights) on public property are leased, it follows that the public have an interest in knowing the terms of the lease and this should be published.
3. The public have a right to know when and where shooting is taking place so that they may avoid such areas if the wish to do so, thus the dates, times and places of all shoots on Ilkley Moor should be published in advance in the Ilkley Gazette and notices should be displayed at entry points to the Moor on the days when shooting is taking place.
4. Members of the public are always likely to be frightened when meeting anyone on the Moor who is carrying a gun. It follows that guns on a shoot, and the gamekeepers for the shoot should be instructed that the public (under point 1 above) always have priority on the Moor and must be approached in a calm and courteous manner. To ensure that this is so, the Friends of Ilkley Moor should offer to have observers available to observe shoots.
5. The distress caused by the appearance of a lone man with a gun is likely to be greater than the appearance of a large shooting party (and if point 3 is accepted the public will have prior warning of a shooting party), thus it follows that any gamekeeper for the shoot should not normally openly carry a gun on Ilkley Moor and should only be using one under defined circumstances. If, for example, on a particular day, the keeper wishes to shoot vermin, then a warning notice should be displayed at entry points so that the public may avoid these areas if they so wish.
6. The Friends of Ilkley Moor will be prepared to assist in training courses for the keepers on the implications of running a shoot on public land.
7. The lease for shooting on Ilkley Moor is temporary, thus no permanent structures should be built on the Moor in connexion with the shoot. Furthermore, if nevertheless the shoot has permission from Bradford to build any permanent structures, consent must be obtained under the Commons Act, Section 39, from the Secretary of State since Ilkley Moor is a registered common. In the event of any such application, the Friends of Ilkley Moor will oppose the building of permanent structures.
8. Any activities by the shoot that are seen as inimicable to the public enjoyment of the Moor such as aggressive behaviour by gamekeepers or guns, or a lack of respect for the public right to enjoy the Moor at all times, should be grounds for the immediate termination of the lease.
Monday 16 November 2009
These notes cover the whole of Rombalds Moor, not just the area that is the concern of the Friends of Ilkley Moor, as any dog walker starting a walk on Ilkley Moor, may easily end up on one of the adjacent moors.
Good Practice & Legal Requirements
All dog owners will like seeing their dog run freely on the Moor, but there are three points that must be borne in mind.
Ground nesting birds
Research shows that where dogs are running free, ground nesting birds will not nest within 250m of a path. By contrast birds will nest within 25m of a path where dogs are kept on a lead. Moreover raptors will follow a free ranging dog and will be able to see nests when the highly camouflaged parent has been disturbed. They will then eat the eggs or chicks.
So anyone who wishes to hear a skylark sing, or to see a little owl, should keep their dog on the lead on the upper slopes of the Moor between 1st March and 31st July.
If dogs are running free at that time then a half kilometre wide strip of land around a path will be denuded of ground nesting birds.
In the same spirit, it is obviously better that dogs should not chase wildlife, so please do not, for example, let your dog chase the ducks on the Tarn
Sheep
Any dog worrying livestock (and this includes simply chasing them) may be shot by the farmer, so keep your dog under close control when there are sheep about. Note, only the farmer can shoot a dog (under the Dogs [Protection of Livestock] Act 1953) so a gamekeeper threatening to do so would have no legal sanction to do so.
Dog mess
Dog mess is distasteful so please pick up and dispose of your dog's mess. But please remember, plastic bags of dog mess are even more distasteful, so if you are out on the Moor it is better to leave the dog mess to be eaten by slugs etc. than to put it in a plastic bag and leave it.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
General
The law governing dogs is complicated by the fact that it comes from different pieces of legislation and some provisions do not seem to mesh with others. I have attempted to make it as simple as possible, but please note, this explanation has been devised by a layman; it is possible that a lawyer might find flaws.
There is a general requirement on dog owners to have their dogs under control at all times. This means training. A trained dog is a happy dog. We have had very good experiences with the Embsay Dog Training Club. We will happily recommend other dog training schemes if members recommend them.
CROW Act Open Access Land
On open access land under the CROW Act 2000 the situation becomes more complicated. There is a general national requirement that during the period 1st March to 31st July a person is not entitled to be on access land with a dog unless it is on a short lead (defined as less than 2m) and at any time of the year on open access land 'in the vicinity of livestock' with a dog unless it is on a short lead ('vicinity' is not defined). Note: Ilkley Moor is included in the definition 'open access land'.
Natural England have the right to impose an absolute access restriction between 1st March and 31st July (i.e. not even dogs on lead) however there is another provision that allows customary rights to override the provisions of the CROW Act. It might be argued that on Addingham High Moor, for example, dogs have customarily been allowed at all times, and this overrides the absolute restriction imposed by Natural England. Similarly, it might be argued that there have never been any dog restrictions on Ilkley Moor and this overrides the general requirement to keep a dog on lead during the period from 1st March to 31st July.
Under the CROW Act there is also a specific offence of 'reckless disturbance' of schedule 1 birds. This might be taken to apply to free running dogs in the breeding season, however the majority of moorland ground nesting birds are not on schedule 1.
The enforcement authority for Ilkley Moor, is the local authority. The shoot that has leased the shooting rights (and hence the gamekeepers employed by the shoot) have no right to enforce any restrictions on dogs but are at liberty to point out concerns to members of the public, so long as this is done in a courteous manner. A gamekeeper threatening to shoot a dog might be deemed guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour under the Public Order Act1986.
Access on Rombalds Moor
Dog access on the Moor is complicated by the number of different requirements on different areas of Rombalds Moor. All of Rombalds Moor is open access under the CROW Act. There is a general right of access, for recreation on foot, and this includes activities like walking, sightseeing, bird watching, picnicking, climbing and running. On those parts of the moor registered as urban common, there is also a right to ride horses. Ilkley and Burley Moors are urban commons, although an Order of Limitation on Burley Moor restricts horse access to certain routes at certain times of year.
Under the CROW Act owners are entitled to ask for dog restrictions on moors managed for grouse. Most of these restrictions end on 31st March 2010 and will have to be reviewed then. The rights of access for dogs are listed below under the name of each Moor.
Note
There are never any restrictions on the right of access for guide dogs or hearing dogs for the deaf on any open access land, or for any dogs under close control on a public footpath. 'Close control' is not defined. It does not necessarily mean on a lead if a dog has been taught to walk to heel. You may walk with your dog at any time on a public footpath
Ilkley Moor Dogs are always allowed, but from 1st March to 31st July they must be kept on lead to protect ground nesting birds. However, see the note above about customary rights.
Burley Moor there is a restriction on Burley Moor (which is an urban common) but these are under the Law of Property Act and will not expire. This requires dogs to be on lead at all times except on certain specified routes. The CROW Act exemption for guide dogs and hearing dogs probably does not apply. Under CROW Act dogs are not permitted on a very small area below Stead Crag and on Craven Hall Hill until March 2010 (except guide dogs etc and dogs on a public footpath, as above).
The Burley Moor restriction predates the Commons Act 2006 and the CROW Act 2000. It is appears to restrict the rights of dogs even on public footpaths although this needs clarification.
Morton Moor, Bingley Moor, Hawksworth Moor dogs are not permitted on these moors (except guide dogs etc and dogs on a public footpath, as above).This restriction expires 28.3.2010 (20/10/10 on Hawksworth Moor) unless renewed.
Addingham High Moor dogs are not permitted on this moor from 1st March to 31st July annually to protect ground nesting birds (except guide dogs etc and dogs on a public footpath, as above).This restriction will also apply to Morton Moor, Bingley Moor and Hawksworth Moor if the discretionary dog ban currently in place is lifted after in 2010. In other words dogs will be allowed on these moors at other times if the general restriction is lifted. However, see the note above about customary rights on Addingham High Moor.
Information about dog restrictions can be found on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/ Under 'Open Access' click on 'view the maps' to find detailed information.
Friday 09 January 2009
Pess Release
Friends of Ilkley Moor
The Friends of Ilkley Moor have appointed a free lance project officer, Tracy Gray. Tracy has a huge range of experience as a former project officer for Sheffield Wildlife Trust and Biodiversity Co-ordinator for West Yorkshire Ecology. This appointment has only been possible because of financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund
Owen Wells, Chair of FoIM said "This appointment represents a step change in the activities of the Friends of Ilkley Moor. We have been extremely fortunate in securing a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and now, with Tracy in post we are confident that users of Ilkley Moor will soon see the results of our activities."
So far the FoIM have raised about £70,000. The winter is not the best time to start work on the Moor, but one of the FoIM projects; the improvement of the footpath from Spicey Gill to the Swastika Stone, which is currently a boggy morass, is due to start. The FoIM have authorised the spending of up to £10,000 for materials and plant hire to improve this path. The work will be undertaken by the Countryside Service of Bradford MDC. "We hope" say Owen Wells "that this will be the first of many collaborative ventures between the FoIM and the Countryside Service that will lead to real improvements on the Moor. Once again we have to acknowledge that without HLF funding, this footpath improvement and improved access to the Swastika Stone would be not have been possible."
Along with capital works we will also be running a programme of activities and events for local families, school children, volunteers, and residents to engage in. This will include for example a social history project around the carved names on the Cow and Calf Rocks, insect identification / ‘mini-beasting’, bracken bashing, fungi spotting, and moorland restoration. A series of photographic competitions will also be held covering a variety of themes. If you would like to get involved, become a member or would like to obtain further information on up and coming events or the work of the Friends of Ilkley Moor please log onto www.ilkleymoor.org.
Meanwhile the FoIM have been involved in the planning of the improvements to the Tarn and visitors will already have been able to appreciate the improved views that have been opened up by the reduction in the number of trees around the tarn. Volunteers from the FoIM have been involved in this work alongside the Countryside Service.
Notes to editors
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
Wednesday 01 October 2008
One of Yorkshire's most stunning landscapes, Ilkley Moor, got a £50,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) today. Local residents group, the Friends of Ilkley Moor, will use the grant to help conserve and improve access to the much loved moorland.
The iconic Moor has suffered from erosion and environmental degradation in recent years but today's news will help to protect the three square miles of countryside. The dedicated Friends Group can't do it alone though and are putting out a call to action for local people to join in and help them protect the landscape for future generations.
Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "The rugged landscape of Ilkley Moor is steeped in Yorkshire history and acts as a home to many rare species. Yet, like many such gems it is fragile and we must strike a fine balance between protecting it and ensuring people can enjoy it. Today's news will do just that, giving communities the chance to explore and care for the heritage on their doorstep."
The money will be used to improve footpaths, to start controlling the spread of bracken, and most important of all, to involve as many local volunteers and young people as possible in practical work on the Moor.
Roughly half the money will be spent on practical projects, such as footpath restoration and environmental conservation, and half on commissioning a freelance Project Officer to encourage appreciation and understanding of the Moor.
Owen Wells, Chair of the Friends of Ilkley Moor said "we are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the unique status of Ilkley Moor and the work that we are planning to improve access to the Moor. Ilkley Moor is more than the inspiration for a famous song; it is one of the finest areas of open mountain moorland in the UK. It is a priceless heritage and this grant will help us to ensure that we can hand it on to future generations in a better state. If anyone would like to express an interest carrying out the Project Officer role please do get in touch."
The Friends of Ilkley Moor are delighted that the fabulous news about the HLF grant coincides with the launch of their website. Now anyone logging on to www.ilkleymoor.org will have access to a fund of information about Ilkley Moor.
Owen Wells, Chair of the Friends of Ilkley Moor said "we are hoping to continuously improve our website to ensure that it will become the first and most authoritative source of information on all matters relating to Ilkley Moor."
For further information, please contact:
Owen Wells, Chair, Friends of Ilkley Moor
23 Eaton Road, Ilkley LS29 9PU
01943 602270
o.r.wells@gmail.com
Notes to editors
The Friends of Ilkley Moor is an independent not for profit voluntary organisation set up in April 2008 and in the process of becoming a registered charity. The Friends, works closely with Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council and other partner organisations such as Natural England to preserve and improve understanding and awareness of the Moor. Ilkley Moor is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. It is a unique landscape, in parts designed, and is important for archaeology and rock art, social history, geology and its wildlife habitat.
Wednesday 03 September 2008
Over two hundred staff members of Bradford & Bingley will be supporting with their feet the generous donation from Bradford & Bingley plc of £16,500 to The Friends of Ilkley Moor. The volunteers will be treading bracken in an attempt to control it spreading on the moor.
Mike Hammond, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said "We were very happy to make the donation to the Friends especially on its inception when the set-up costs are considerable. I know that our staff are looking forward to a day out on the moor".
Owen Wells, Chair of the Friends, said "We are especially grateful to Bradford & Bingley for their donation, that has allowed the Friends of Ilkley Moor, formed only this April, to get off to a flying start." The bracken is a big problem, and apart from treading to restrict its growth, we hope to commission the spraying of a larger area. Other projects for the future are completing the path from the Thimble Stones to the Trig Point, the start of which was stone-flagged by the Countryside Service a few years ago. Other paths are in urgent need of repair.
