On Tues. 31st, the BMC met with the Yorkshire Dales National Park to discuss climbing issues in the region, including a review of the voluntary nesting restrictions.

Hosted at the Authority office in Grassington, the BMC were represented by Guy Keating (Regional A&C Officer), Martin Christmas (limestone access rep.) and Dave Musgrove (local activist and ex-BMC President). Also in attendance were ranger staff and representatives from The Yorkshire Naturalists Union and Natural England.

The meeting included a review of peregrine breeding success for the '06 season, and it emerged that unfortunately the region's huge swathes of grouse moor habitat failed to produce any recorded chicks.

However, the BMC is pleased to report 5 peregrine chicks successfully fledged from nest sites at Langcliffe Quarry (1), Blue Scar (2) and Malham Cove (2). The fact the Malham pair continue to produce young birds every year is especially pleasing considering their apparent domestic bliss is conducted in front of 1000's of tourists, many climbers and the occasional passing RAF Tornado jet!

Earlier this year the BMC commissioned an independant ecologist to examine the behavioural ecology of the nesting birds at Blue Scar and Langcliffe Quarry, with a view to making an objective assessment of the voluntary nesting restrictions. The findings were discussed at some length and although the Authority currently continue to view the restrictions as appropriate in both extent and duration, the BMC have been assured the sites will be re-examined in light of recommendations made in the reports.

On the gritstone front, the ranger staff have removed barbed wire from the main CRoW access point for Great Wolfrey, and will be contacting the landowner to ensure its does not reappear again. 

Keep your eyes on the BMC's Regional Access Database (RAD) for any changes.       

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