URGENT: Help Us Protect Rooley Moor

A new industrial wind farm proposal — Scout Moor II — threatens Rooley Moor’s peatlands, wildlife and heritage. We need your help now.

Rooley Moor is a rare, fragile peat landscape storing thousands of years of carbon. Natural England has identified this area as containing the most resilient peat in the UK — a nationally significant environmental asset.

The Proposed Scout Moor II Development Would:

• • Excavate and remove more than 100,000 tonnes of peat, destroying a carbon store that cannot be replaced
  • Introduce tens of thousands of tonnes of alien concrete and steel into a delicate acidic moorland ecosystem
  • Cut an additional 15 km of “access tracks”, opening up far wider areas of the moor to disturbance and nuisance
  • Destroy habitats relied upon by upland wildlife
  • Industrialise open access and common land, fundamentally altering the character of the moor
  • Permanently damage the historic Cotton Famine Road, a unique and irreplaceable heritage asset

This is not responsible renewable energy. It is industrialisation of a protected upland landscape.

We Are Raising £10,000

Your support will fund:

• • Independent expert ecological and heritage reports
  • Legal representation
  • Public campaigning and community mobilisation

Every donation directly strengthens the defence of Rooley Moor.

Why Your Donation Matters

This landscape is irreplaceable. With your help, we can protect it.

• • £10 — funds public awareness materials
  • £25 — supports ecological and heritage research
  • £50 — contributes to legal review of planning documents
  • £100 — funds professional representation at hearings
  • £250 — sponsors a peatland impact assessment
  • £500+ — becomes a named supporter of the campaign

This is a community‑led defence of a landscape we all share.

What’s At Risk

• • Deep peat storing ancient carbon
  • Curlew, Skylark, Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail, Twite
  • Rights of common and upland farming
  • The historic Cotton Famine Road
  • Open access and common land used by walkers, riders and families
  • The character of the entire moorland skyline

Once lost, this landscape cannot be restored.

What Your Support Enables

Your donation helps RMNF:

• • Commission independent ecological and heritage reports
  • Secure legal representation to challenge the planning application
  • Run public awareness and mobilisation campaigns
  • Provide objection guidance to residents
  • Engage councillors, MPs and media outlets

This is how we protect Rooley Moor — together.

About Rooley Moor

Rooley Moor is a landscape shaped by nature, industry and community:

• • Ancient peatlands
  • Millworkers’ heritage
  • Open moorland trails
  • Wildlife habitats
  • Panoramic views across Greater Manchester

It is a place of peace, history and belonging.

What We Do

Heritage Protection

We safeguard historic sites including the Cotton Famine Road and promote understanding of the moor’s industrial past.

Peatland & Wildlife Conservation

We want to protect deep peat, restore habitats and support biodiversity.

Community Access & Trails

We maintain and promote responsible access for walkers, cyclists and riders.

Campaigning & Advocacy

We challenge developments that threaten the moor and support responsible stewardship.

Stories From The Moor

• • “I walk here every morning. It’s where I clear my head and reconnect with nature.” — Local resident
  • “The Cotton Famine Road is part of our history. We must protect it.” — Heritage volunteer
  • “This landscape belongs to all of us.” — Rider & RMNF supporter
    These voices reflect the community we serve.

Get Involved

If you support our aim then please do join us and tell us what you think

More About The Wind Farm

Say No To Scout Moor 2