News Archive
1st October 2006
Over 250 people of all ages (Grandparents to Grandchildren) braved initially very wet conditions to come on the SLEG Guided Walk around Longstone Edge on Sunday morning (1st October).
The idea was to raise public and media awareness about its fight to stop unlawful, mass limestone extraction from a prominent Peak District beauty spot - Longstone Edge - - the more that see the devastation with their own eyes, the better.
Led by a prominent local ecologist - Dr Steve Furness of the local 'Alpine Centre' - the walk took-in many of the special areas believed to be at risk. Including a designated SSSI/SAC (Coombs Dale), the area includes many rare UK species of plants (e.g. rare orchids) butterflies, Lizards and the like.
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For many it was the first time they had seen what is at risk for themselves (the pastoral beauty that you expect in a National Park), then to witness at first hand the extreme devastation that has already occurred was expressed as quite a shock.
A leisurely 3-4 hour stroll (optional shorter route available) - some took advantage of the shorter route, but over 75 hardier participants completed the whole tour.
Well organised by SLEG, there were conspicuous stewards to help with safely crossing of roads, and provide help and advice to all participants. Fortuitously, none of the trained first-aiders were needed, although some took advantage of the offer of a 4WD ride back to the start from strategic points.
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All participants left feeling shocked and dismayed, but also much better-informed about what is happening and what is at risk from this large-scale limestone extraction - especially the newly-decimated area of Wager's Flat - prominently visible from Bakewell and Chatsworth.
Many also confirmed their attendance to demonstrate the depth of public concern next Sunday for the live television outside broadcast that will be taking place on Longstone Edge (8th October).