Welcome

Protecting Our Moorland, Heritage and Community

Rooley Moor is one of Greater Manchester’s last intact upland peat landscapes — a shared space of heritage, wildlife and open skies that belongs to all of us.

RMNF is a Registered Charity – Number 1165601 working to protect, enhance and celebrate this extraordinary landscape for future generations.

Our Mission

To work with residents, walkers, riders, conservationists and heritage volunteers to:

    • Protect peatlands, wildlife and natural habitats
    • Safeguard historic sites including the Cotton Famine Road
    • Improve access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
    • Promote responsible enjoyment of the moor
    • Challenge developments that threaten the landscape

RMNF is powered by local people who care deeply about this place.

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.
The proposed Scout Moor II development would excavate deep peat, destroy habitats, industrialise open access land and permanently damage the historic Cotton Famine Road.

We are raising £10,000 to fund expert reports, legal representation and public campaigning to stop this development.

Your donation directly supports the defence of Rooley Moor.

Why Your Donation Matters

Every contribution helps us protect the moor:

    • £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