RSPB Dove Stone

20/08/2026

RSPB Dove Stone is reopening today, and we're delighted to welcome visitors back. Our car park is once again available.

This summer, we witnessed devastating wildfires that affected large areas of Dove Stone and neighbouring land. The scale of the fires was immense, with smoke plumes visible from space. Throughout this challenging period, our team worked side by side with the Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to help tackle the fires and bring them under control.

We're pleased to announce that, in agreement with the Fire and Rescue Service, it is now safe to reopen Dove Stone to visitors.

While the impact of the wildfires has been heartbreaking, there are already encouraging signs of recovery. Fresh green shoots are emerging, wildlife is beginning to return, and areas of rewetted peatland across the reserve have survived the fire, offering hope for the future.

⚠️ Although the reserve has reopened, the risk of wildfires has not yet passed. If you notice smoke, fire, or anything suspicious during your visit, please call 999 immediately. The site is also under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to help prevent new fires, so please do treat Dove Stone and other people with respect, and help us reduce the risk of fire by taking litter home.

Thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this difficult time. We would love to welcome you back to Dove Stone and continue sharing and protecting the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Greater Manchester together.

07/08/2026

Please do not visit RSPB Dove Stone❗️

While significant progress has been made in bringing the recent wildfires under control, the site remains closed and it is not safe for visitors.

Work continues to tackle hotspots beneath the surface, where material can continue burning at very high temperatures underground.

For your safety, all car parks and footpaths at Dove Stone remain closed until further notice. We know many people care deeply about this special place and are keen to see it for themselves, but we ask everyone to stay away while recovery work continues.

These fires have had a devastating impact on the landscape, with an estimated 800-1,000 hectares affected, including important habitat for wildlife such as Curlew and Golden Plover.

We'd like to thank Greater Manchester and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services, our partners, local landowners and everyone involved in responding to these incidents.

We will continue to share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, please help us by respecting the closure, avoiding the area and taking steps to prevent wildfires in the countryside.

Image credit: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)

15/07/2026

25/06/2026

Turn the volume up! The Nightjars were churring away this evening in the warm still air. If you listen carefully you maybe also be able to hear the Long Eared Owl.

📹James Minchin

29/04/2026

A big thankyou to our volunteers today, for litter picking the site! We collected a whopping 21 bags full, despite the windy conditions!