A Man’s Bold Act to Protect the Environment
A man from the village of Castleton in Derbyshire has sparked a conversation about environmental conservation after sharing a video of himself kicking down stone stacks in the Peak District. Stuart Cox, a keen walker, has taken it upon himself to raise awareness about the damage these structures can cause to the natural landscape.
The video, which has been viewed over one million times on Facebook, shows Cox removing stone stacks that have been built near the popular Great Ridge footpath. These stacks, some as tall as 6ft, are constructed using stones from an old wall located near Mam Tor hill. The act of dismantling them has led to a mixed reaction from the public, with many supporting his efforts while others have criticized him.
Cox shared the video on his Peak District Viking page, where he regularly posts updates, photos, and videos about life in the national park. He told BBC News that the majority of people have been supportive, with many agreeing that the stacks should be removed to return the area to its natural state. However, he also received negative feedback, including threats through private messages. Despite this, Cox remains undeterred.
The stone stacks were built close to the Great Ridge footpath, a 15-minute walk from the top of Mam Tor. Cox expressed concerns that the stones used for the stacks were taken from a former boundary wall, which could have disrupted the habitats of small animals living within the wall. This issue has drawn attention from environmental organizations, such as the National Trust.
Environmental and Historical Concerns
The National Trust highlighted that the Peak Forest Wall, which runs next to the footpath, is “historically significant” and dates back to 1579. They have voiced concerns about the impact of the stone stacks on both the historical value of the site and the natural habitats of wildlife. A spokesperson for the National Trust told the BBC: “Sadly, the stone stacks are not only impacting the history of the site, but they are also affecting the natural habitats of wildlife that live and feed within these ancient walls.”
While the majority of the stone stacks featured in Cox’s video are not on National Trust land, there have been instances of stacks being created on parts of Mam Tor. In such cases, staff and volunteers occasionally disassemble the structures. The National Trust emphasized that the stacks pose a threat to the delicate balance of the landscape and have been increasing in number in recent years.
The Impact of Stone Stacks
The Peak District National Park has also commented on the issue, describing the stone stacks as “detrimental” to the landscape. The increase in their presence has raised alarms among conservationists and local authorities. These structures, often built for aesthetic or recreational purposes, can have long-term consequences for the environment.
By taking action to remove the stacks, Cox has brought attention to the broader issue of how human activity can impact natural spaces. His video serves as a reminder that even small actions can contribute to larger environmental efforts. As more people become aware of the damage caused by these structures, there may be a growing movement to protect the natural beauty of the Peak District and other similar areas.
In conclusion, Cox’s decision to dismantle the stone stacks has sparked a meaningful dialogue about environmental responsibility. His actions highlight the importance of preserving natural landscapes and respecting the historical and ecological significance of such areas. As the debate continues, it is clear that the preservation of these spaces requires ongoing awareness and collective effort.
