Over seventy people attended the 7th Annual Meeting of The Friends of Ilkley Moor held in the Clark Foley on Friday 24 April. The meeting commenced with a talk by Professor John Altringham about the management of moorland for the benefit of people and biodiversity. John described the different habitats on Ilkley Moor, the animal and plant species that are found there and the threats and problems facing the Moor. He assessed the greatest threats as climate change and human use, which have a great effect because of the relatively small area of the Moor.
“Solutions must always take all factors in to account”, John explained. “This usually means a compromise but if you don’t, any plan will fail. Monitoring and measuring are also vital, so that any changes can be scientifically seen. Once problems are fully understood, effective solutions can be found.”
Owen Wells (Chair of the Friends) listed the work that FoIM has undertaken on the Moor in the past year and emphasised that this could only continue with the support from our members. He also explained how our good working relationship with the team from Bradford Councils Countryside Services was a vital part of the success of the projects undertaken. The Friends have been very successful in attracting grants in the past but many of these sources are less able to help because finances are becoming tighter.
The Friends have discussed the shooting lease with Bradford Council because of concerns about access and interference with wildlife. Whilst the Council are not able to terminate the lease at present, they have introduced a ban on the use of traps.
After a short refreshment break, the meeting dealt with the formal business, electing officers and other members of the committee.
With no further business the meeting was closed.
For more information contact Barry Wilkinson 07831-505051