Campaigners opposed to grouse shooting plan to use new powers to buy Yorkshire moor

Campaigners opposed to grouse shooting on a Yorkshire moor intend to use new powers being created by the Government to buy the land for the community. Just days after the annual shooting season for game birds started on the Glorious 12th, the residents of Sheffield have offered landowner the Duke of Rutland £1 to take over nearby Moscar Moor.

The Reclaim Our Moors group plan to use the forthcoming Community Right to Buy legislation to purchase 6,000 acres, even though it is not for sale. So far, the Duke has not been tempted by their £1 offer. It follows a long-running row over the use and management of Moscar Moor.

Two years ago, fires blanketed large parts of Sheffield with "choking" smoke. Moorland burning is carried out each year to boost the number of red grouse for shooting. The Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, invited the Duke to explain himself at a "Smoke Summit" but he failed to attend.

About 200 people from the city and villages staged a protest on Tuesday. Organiser Rowan Fairfield said: "It was a brilliant turn-out of people to show their love for the land and their anger at the sorry state it is in. We're looking forward to the Government introducing Community Right to Buy legislation to allow communities
to own environmental assets such as moors, woods and rivers."

The office of the Duke, David Manners, whose family seat, Belvoir Castle, is 70 miles away, said: "Many thanks for the opportunity to respond. Belvoir Castle does not wish to comment." But the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust said heather burning makes way for new shoots, providing food for red grouse, deer, hares and livestock.