Demo urges end to burning

The campaigners took to the moors in the hills above the town of Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, which was devastated by flooding in June and July.

They say that the landowners' action is a contributory factor to the flooding because it destroys the moors' ability to absorb water, particularly sphagnum moss which is highly absorbent.

After the walk the marchers met at Hebden Bridge Trades Club to launch the national Ban the Burn campaign.

Among the marchers was retired teacher Sue Turner, who lives in the neighbouring Pennine community of Todmorden, which has also been badly hit by flooding.

"I took part because I was appalled that once again the interests of a minority of wealthy upper-class people is being put above the good of the environment and above the need to alleviate the flooding problems in the valley," she said.

As reported in the Morning Star on Saturday, the taxpayer is subsidising the grouse moor owners.

Walshaw Moor grouse-shooting estate above Hebden Bridge in the Calder Valley has entered into an Environmental Stewardship agreement with government-backed Natural England.

Under the deal the estate receives £2.5m in public subsidy over 10 years. The deal permits "controlled burning" which the campaigners argue contributes to the flooding problems.

The campaign is expected to be taken up nationwide. For more information contact treesponsibility@yahoo.co.uk or ring 07847 815-925.