Dunford Bridge gamekeeper Jim Sutton turns firefighter to protect moors

May 14 2010 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Dunford Bridge gamekeeper Jim Sutton turns firefighter to protect moors

HE’S a gamekeeper responsible for 7,000 acres.

But Jim Sutton also doubles up as a firefighter in a bid to protect the land.

Jim is one of three gamekeepers who have been trained to tackle moorland fires in the Dunford Bridge area of the Peak District.

He is equipped with £25,000 worth of firefighting equipment to help preserve the moorland for future generations.

Jim, a gamekeeper of 15 years, said the problem of moor fires is becoming more and more of a concern and he’s asking people visiting the area to be extra vigilant.

He said: “We’re out every day on the moors and our main tasks are predator control, preserving the game and wildlife, habitat management and regeneration.

“But over the last 10 years we’ve been dealing with more fires.

“The number of blazes is increasing with more people coming into the countryside.

“It is very hard work to stop them once they’ve started and it’s difficult finding out who is responsible too.”

Only three weeks ago a fire started within the 7,000 acres of moorland which was tackled by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service as it was accessible for their engines.

But in places which are harder to reach, the gamekeepers turn into firefighters.

Recent moorland fires at Marsden and Rishworth moors have left the areas needing vital regeneration.