This is the text of our proposed vision for Blacka Moor. We had wanted to present this for discussion at the Icarus meetings in 2006. Unfortunately we were given no opportunity to put this forward. This is a pity because it has some qualities not found in the rather piecemeal statement which eventually came out of that process. Even so we are aware that a lot of work would be needed to be done on this as it stands.
It is placed here as an indication that our view of Blacka Moor is a positive one that seeks to counter the negative one we see the conservationists putting forward when they talk of it being in 'unfavourable condition'.
A Summary of Our Position Friends of Blacka Moor
1 The Context
Key to any consideration of Blacka is its amenity value for local people over many years. That value most tellingly relates to its status as a public open space and pleasure ground (Graves Covenant 1933 and following) and the precedence of recreation over conservation agendas(Charity Commission 2005). A further unavoidable context is the twice expressed rejection of grazing with farm animals as an option for the site in the petitions of 1984 and 2005. Finally there is the consistent informal use that local people have made of the area over at least the last 50 years.
2 Blacka’s distinctive appeal is in direct contrast to comparable adjoining areas
a) For many years it has remained open and unfenced
b) Most of the site has enjoyed freedom from farm management and farm animals
c) Across large areas nature has been largely unconstrained in contrast to the sometimes harsh land use seen on neighbouring open areas.
3 Management should be committed to the spirit of the area’s distinctive appeal. In practice this means –
a) It should be non intrusive and sensitive, with any maintenance or management projects being carried out with reference to the appropriate quiet recreational activities valued by the local community
b) It should pay attention to the visual qualities and natural beauty valued by Blacka’s regular visitors.
c) It should only consider changes which can be shown to have a positive value for recreational users
d) It should carry out suitable maintenance tasks to paths and bridleways.
e) It should welcome the contribution to the site of “nature doing its own thing” whether it be through the an influx of wild birds and mammals or the re-wilding of sections of previously exploited landscape.
4 A Specific Suggestion
The site should be managed in accordance with its status as recreational land dedicated to the kind of quiet informal use already enjoyed. This has the benefit of being also of considerable value for wildlife and the conservation of natural beauty. Because of the contexts in (1) we feel that on this site this is the right way round. Particularly we would like to propose that the area around Cowsick, the Stony Ridge track and Blacka Hill be identified for its landscape value and kept open in as far as this is consistent with minimal intrusiveness. We are convinced that this can be accomplished manually. In identifying this as a management option we believe that the criteria should come from considerations of natural beauty rather than those of habitat preservation. In practice there would be little difference.
Vital to the success of this will be the recruitment of a site worker. The site worker should preferably be from the local community, already familiar with Blacka Moor and able to liaise between regular users, volunteers and management. With goodwill, commitment and some imagination it should be possible to devise a flexible contract which allows for various funding possibilities.
We also believe that alongside the recognition of a greater measure of wildness than on nearby and comparable spaces there should be a commitment to improving the visual and recreational appeal in a manner that fits in with the area's distinct character. An example of this would be the identification and maintenance of specific calm areas which make it easier for people to enjoy the surroundings. This was done in the 1970s when The Ramblers planted small wooded areas. There are possibilities near streams and water features such as the falls on the Lee Stream – a minimum of path maintenance and a little clearance work could attract visitors who enjoy a mildly challenging stroll to a semi-wild picnic site. We believe there are many very small developments like this which stop well short of the obtrusive interventions of farm management and which would be much more widely valued by local users.