Our Moors

Our uplands are internationally important habitats for wildlife.

Support our campaign for an end to wildlife persecution and intensive moorland management practices.

The Issue

Our Sheffield moors are internationally protected habitats that support important local wildlife.

Sadly they are under threat due to increasingly intensive moorland management for grouse shooting.

Our Position

We want to see our moors become a fantastic mosaic of habitats supporting thriving populations of all the variety of wildlife that should live in these inspiring places.

This includes birds of prey such as hen harrier and peregrine as well as moorland species such as mountain hares.

What we have done and will do

Work with and support landowners and managers, organisations, groups or individuals through our Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership project and beyond who share our vision for Sheffield’s moors to be thriving and sustainable for both people and wildlife.
Regularly update and raise awareness with the general public and our members about excessive and illegal wildlife persecution on our moors –through media etc providing factual information and examples wherever possible.
Actively collate and ensure any evidence of suspected wildlife crime is reported to the police. Act on any reports we receive about potential wildlife crime.

We expect snare sites and stink pits to be at their highest levels of usage from January to May as grouse and pheasant chicks are raised. So please keep an eye out if you regularly visit the Sheffield moors. Please note it is illegal to remove or damage a snare as they are considered to be private property.

● Snares and stink pits are legal in the UK as long as certain conditions are met (see DEFRA code of practice below in evidence section), but if you believe a wildlife crime has been committed, call 101, the non-emergency number, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give information anonymously. If you see what you believe to be a wildlife crime being committed, call 999.

● Tell us if you see snares and stink pits adjacent to, or even, on our Nature Reserves – we do not use snares. Contact us by email and include a picture – ideally with GPS locator and date.

● If you see a snare or snared animal, please take a photo and report it on the Snarewatch website. This will help us to map the level of activity across the Sheffield moors area.

● Write to your MP. You can find their details on the Parliament website. Tell them why our Sheffield moorlands are special to you and what you would like them to do in response to the issues our moorlands and wildlife are facing, including calling for a ban on moorland burning. If you do write and receive a reply – let us know at takeaction@wildsheffield.com.

● Visit Blacka Moor: Our Blacka Moor nature reserve is a great example of an upland habitat mosaic, including cowsick bog, heather moorland and varied woodland – and is never managed by burning. Visit our What’s on page for events on Blacka Moor.

What you can do to help

Report wildlife crime

How to report illegal persecution of wildlife

See full details

Make a Donation

Support us by making a one off donation to Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trusts

Donate Now

Evidence and References

Heather and peat burning

Intensive management practices on some privately owned areas of the moorland threaten many of this landscape’s most iconic creatures and their habitats. Overwhelming scientific evidence points to burning on peatlands causing damage to key species, ecosystems, and sustainability.

Go to heather and peat burning evidence and references