An important issue

I've been to Silverwood again today. I haven't any pictures as my camera isn't working, so here's one from the summer to remind us what a great area it is:

I wanted to put this blog post to good use, so I've chosen to highlight an issue that I feel is really important. On my way round today I filled two carrier bags to the top with rubbish. Mainly lager cans, but also plastic bottles, chocolate wrappers, bits of plastic and other odd things.

I understand that the warmer weather is on its way and people enjoy sitting in the countryside and having a picnic or a drink. That is absolutely fine. It's great that people can appreciate the outdoors. The issue lies with the litter they leave behind. Not only is it unsightly but it can cause serious harm, or even death, to our wildlife.

For a short assignment about a marine conservation issue on a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course, check them out most of them are free) I've been studying, I chose to focus on sea turtles and the dangers of plastics in their habitat. For a lot of us where litter is concerned, it's a case of out of sight out of mind. But it isn't that simple. Litter, especially the plastic four-pack rings that cans come in, can hurt wildlife in the immediate environment if they get caught in it or eat it. But it can also end up in streams and rivers, which ultimately transport the litter to our beaches and oceans. Creatures that are already endangered, such as sea turtles, whales and seabirds, end up eating it or becoming tangled in it.

Fair enough the litter has to go somewhere eventually, even if you take it home and put it in a bin. But better it is recycled or goes to a landfill site where it can be properly managed, than just tossed to one side in a nature area like Silverwood or even in the street.

I don't want this to be a lecture. Even if it only opens one person's eyes to the dangers of throwing a plastic bag or bottle to one side, then that is great. We share this planet with so many other fantastic creatures and it is only fair that we respect them and the habitats they live in.

On a brighter note, the swan pair are back on Silverwood lake. Hopefully they will have another successful breeding season; last year they raised four cygnets. The skylarks are in full song now and its wonderful to hear them all over the site. The chiffchaffs are back, and there was a pair of buzzards looking for lunch over the reserve while I was there.

Hopefully soon I will have another camera and be able to take some decent photographs with it. But for now I leave you with one of my favourite pictures of Sybil, looking rather cheeky.

Edale - Mam Tor - Castleton - Hollins Cross - Edale

Today Sybil and I visited our beloved Peak District. We got the early train and landed in Edale around 9am. The plan was to head up Mam Tor then drop down into Castleton, so we started towards Hardenclough Farm. I have done this route before and was just going by what I remembered rather than following any written directions, but it's pretty hard to lose your way; you just head towards the big lumpy-looking hill right in front of you.

Onward and upwards

Sybil enjoyed a bit of sneaky off-lead time before we hit the sheep-infested slopes. The wind was already picking up, so I knew it was going to be pretty bad once we reached the summit; I just didn't realise exactly HOW bad.

Let me through!

The next section was pretty easy-going alongside the road, then we turned left and hit the stone steps to the summit. About halfway up these, I was already being blown sideways. Sybil, however, was just tearing round like a mad thing with a huge smile on her face.

The summit

I now tell no lies: the only way I reached the top was on my hands and knees, as the wind was that strong. The picture above was taken on full zoom; I could not for the life of me reach any closer to the trig point nor could the four people coming up behind me, all leaning full-tilt into the wind in order to stay on their feet. They followed my lead and sat down slightly down from the trig point so we were a little sheltered. I thought Pen-y-ghent was windy; it was nothing compared to this.

The Hope Valley

Looking along the ridge

Sybil decided she wanted to leave with her four new friends (and their Labrador) while I lagged behind, whooping and laughing into the wind. I've never had so much fun. Have you seen that scene from the movie Brother Bear where Kenai and the bear cub are leaning into the wind off a clifftop? Well that was me, minus the clifftop. I spread my arms and let the wind hold me up, just enjoying the moment.

Hollins Cross

All good things come to an end though and we carried on towards Hollins Cross. The four in front had paired up and were holding each others' hands so they didn't blow away. I had no-one to hold my hand though (I asked, Sybil said no) so I leaned diagonally into the wind as it tried its best to keep me off the path. Eventually the wind died a little as we reached Hollins Cross, so after a moment to catch my breath we left down the side of the ridge towards Castleton.

Are we going the right way?

I've never been to Castleton, so we spent a little time exploring the streets and eating our sandwiches. We soon came upon Castleton Visitor Centre, which had a notice on the door saying dogs were allowed inside. I poked my head in and checked with a member of staff that this was indeed OK, and with their permission we headed inside and milled around the museum and gift shop for twenty minutes or so.

Castleton Visitor Centre

Picturesque street

Why can't all buildings allow dogs inside? It would make my life so much easier. We headed up Cave Dale for a little way and sat and demolished our remaining sandwiches while admiring the limestone scenery. The dale was a little too crowded for my liking though so we soon retreated back down into Castleton before making our way back over the fields towards Hollins Cross.

Peveril Castle from Cave Dale

The old collapsed road

We were soon up and over and back down into Edale; I was sorely tempted to head back up to Mam Tor for another fun-filled wind session, but the ridge was rather busy now with other hikers. Another day, maybe. With half-an-hour to fill before our train was due, we stopped by the Penny Pot cafe for a nice warm hot chocolate.

One tired dog: check