The picturesque Dovestones beauty spot in Greater Manchester, often hailed as an ideal destination for weekend walks, descended into utter chaos on Saturday, March 21, as massive crowds flocked to the area, causing severe traffic gridlock and prompting fire service interventions due to illegal barbecues.
Traffic Mayhem and Local Frustrations
With sunshine emerging and temperatures soaring to 17°C across the region, hordes of visitors headed to Saddleworth Moor, resulting in car parks becoming overwhelmed and roads entering complete gridlock. Locals have expressed deep frustration, reporting being trapped in their homes as the area was described as rammed with lengthy queues for parking.
Councillor Helen Bishop shared pictures online to highlight the issues, noting that car park marshals struggled to maintain control of the situation. She emphasized that the influx of visitors has repeatedly spoilt the area in recent years, with many residents avoiding it due to the behavior of very ignorant visitors.
Fire Service Callouts and Safety Concerns
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to a small fire near Dovestone Reservoir at approximately 5 pm on Saturday, suspected to have been ignited by a barbecue found at the scene. This incident underscores ongoing safety risks, as smoke was seen billowing from behind trees near the brook, requiring firefighters to investigate and extinguish the blaze.
In response, the fire service has initiated the Be Moor Aware campaign, urging visitors to dispose of rubbish correctly and refrain from using barbecues or any other fires to prevent moorland wildfires. This comes after a history of serious incidents, including a massive blaze in April of the previous year that ravaged an area larger than a football pitch, and the devastating 2018 wildfire on Saddleworth Moor, which charred seven square miles and led to evacuations.
Community Backlash and Future Measures
Residents have voiced their dismay, with one stating, I don't go to Dovestones anymore because it has been spoilt by a number of very ignorant visitors who simply don't care, or respect the area or the villagers who live here. Others lamented the loss of peace, calling it a shame that the once-tranquil spot is now avoided due to overcrowding and disrespectful behavior.
To address these issues, a multi-agency information day is scheduled for the following Saturday, aimed at educating visitors about the countryside code. Councillor Bishop and emergency crews have highlighted that inconsiderate parking and traffic are not only disrupting locals but also hindering access for emergency services, making such initiatives urgently needed.
The Manchester Evening News has regularly reported on these problems, noting repeated warnings from fire crews and parking authorities. As temperatures rise and more visitors are expected, the call for greater awareness and responsible tourism grows louder to preserve this natural gem for future generations.
