Ring Ouzels and Climbers

The story of the ring ouzel (opens new window) on the eastern edges of the Peak District is emblematic of people and wildlife co-existing in the uplands.

The gritstone edges tick a lot of boxes when it comes to house hunting for the ring ouzel, being quite fussy about their needs for suitable breeding sites. The iconic edges, such as at Stanage and Burbage, are also popular with people, particularly climbers and boulderers.

To avoid potential conflicts and disturbance of nests, the Eastern Moors Partnership, Peak District National Park Authority and British Mountaineering Council work together to give the ring ouzel the best chance to breed successfully.

Each year, volunteers map ring ouzel territories and put up signs around vulnerable nests to either restrict or divert climbers and visitors. Signs are removed once birds are done.