Visitors are being welcomed back to Dove Stone today as the popular Saddleworth beauty spot reopens following the devastating wildfires which swept across the moorland this summer.
RSPB Dove Stone has confirmed the reserve is once again open to the public, with its car park also reopening following agreement with the Fire and Rescue Service that it is safe for visitors to return.
Large areas of Dove Stone and neighbouring land were affected by the fires, which prompted a major emergency response and saw firefighters battling the flames for several weeks.
The scale of the incident was immense, with huge plumes of smoke travelling across Greater Manchester and visible from space.
Throughout the emergency, the RSPB Dove Stone team worked alongside the Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies to help bring the fires under control.
While the damage caused to the landscape has been significant, the team says there are already encouraging signs of nature beginning to recover.
Fresh green shoots are appearing across parts of the moorland and wildlife is beginning to return.
Importantly, areas of rewetted peatland across the reserve also survived the fire, providing hope for the long-term recovery of the landscape.
An RSPB Dove Stone spokesperson said: “This summer, we witnessed devastating wildfires that affected large areas of Dove Stone and neighbouring land.
“While the impact of the wildfires has been heartbreaking, there are already encouraging signs of recovery. Fresh green shoots are emerging, wildlife is beginning to return, and areas of rewetted peatland across the reserve have survived the fire, offering hope for the future.”
Despite the reopening, visitors are being reminded that the risk of wildfire has not disappeared.
Anyone who spots smoke, fire or suspicious activity while visiting the area should call 999 immediately.
A Public Spaces Protection Order remains in place to help prevent further fires, and visitors are being urged to respect the landscape, take their litter home and do everything possible to reduce the risk of another blaze.
The RSPB added: “Thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this difficult time.
“We would love to welcome you back to Dove Stone and continue sharing and protecting the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Greater Manchester together.”
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