Fire risk closes moorland

Fire risk closes moorland

Footpaths and bridleways will still be open

Open moorland in part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park has been closed because of the risk of fire.

This follows the long period of dry weather and this week's high temperatures which have left the heather very dry.

The closure order covers 14,000 acres at Barden Moor on the Duke of Devonshire's Bolton Abbey estate.

But footpaths and bridleways will remain open for walkers and horse riders.

Dry moorland

It is very unusual for moorland to be closed because of a fire risk this early in the year.

Phil Richards from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: "It is important to remember that after any period of dry weather fires can easily start.

"So we are asking everyone to be aware of any potential fire risks such as discarded cigarettes and the lighting of barbecues.

Ben Heyes from the Bolton Abbey estate explained that a fire would be devastating for wildlife.

He said: "Ground nesting birds might die in the fire. But the whole area would be sterilised.

"There would be no food, no nesting area. There would be nothing left."