Recent History

(The following account is based largely on Anderson 1984)

At the turn of the century Blackamoor was part of the Duke of Rutland's estate. Although few records of the areas management at this time exist, it is likely that it was used for a combination of grouse shooting and stock (mainly sheep) grazing. It is therefore likely to have managed by regular burning to maintain areas of young heather.

In 1927 the area from Houndkirk and Burbage Moors in the north to Big Moor and Leash Fen in the south was sold in separate lots. One of these lots was Blackamoor (which consisted of Blacka moor itself, Blacka Hill, Blacka Plantation, Strawberry Lea Farm and Plantation, Bole Hill and Lenny Hill, a total of 448 acres). This was re-sold to the J. G. Graves Charitable Trust who conveyed it as a gift to Sheffield City Council in March 1933. In a letter to the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Alderman J. G. Graves described the purpose of the purchase as being:

"to preserve the moor in its natural state and to prevent any alteration to its present character by building operations or any other form of interference"

(Sheffield Daily Telegraph February 28 1933)

In order to achieve the moor was given on condition that it:

"be allowed to remain in its present natural state, with such pathways to be provided in accord with the character of the Estate as will make the moor accessible to all who desire to visit it for health-giving exercise and pleasure".

(Sheffield Daily Telegraph February 28 1933)

The Parks Committee of the City of Sheffield was given responsibility for the area. Both Strawberry Lea Farm and Bole Hill Lodge were tenanted at the time the gift was made with Alderman Graves considering that rent from these properties could contribute to the upkeep of the Estate.

Since that time the management of the Estate has been limited. There has been some tree planting and path works have been implemented to cope with the increased recreational usage the area receives. The grasslands on the Estate have only been grazed sporadically. However, the moor was unfenced and so is likely to have received light grazing from the stock on adjacent holdings. In 1980 application was received for permission to graze sheep on Blackamoor and on Strawberry Lea Farm. Sheep grazing was accepted as an appropriate management tool and an agreement was confirmed by the Recreation and Amenities Committee in April 1981. The farmer applied to the Ministry of Agriculture for a grant for fencing. All farm Grant Applications made for land within the Peak District National Park had to be referred to the Peak Park Joint Planning Board and so the Board's officers, along with those of the then Nature Conservancy Council (NCC, now English Nature) were involved in determining stocking levels and in discussions of other conservation issues. However, because of misunderstandings of the role of the NCC there was little consultation with local conservation groups.

One the grazing regime was introduced objections were received from local amenity and conservation groups. These objections related to loss of access (due to the fencing and problems with the styles and restrictions on dog owners), nature conservation (possible negative impacts of grazing on habitats and species) and on landscape (the appearance of the gates and fences).

As a result the grazing was stopped and, in 1983, a consultant was appointed to produce a management plan for Blackamoor. The plan, prepared by P. Anderson was completed in 1984. Despite production of the plan, little management has been implemented on the site due to budgetary constraints. The works undertaken include cutting of firebreaks, access management some tree planting and limited bracken control. In 1996 a further management plan was produced by the Sheffield Centre for Ecology and Environmental Management (SCEEM), updating the work of Anderson (1984).