You may be aware that RSPB will be leasing the moorland and land around Dove Stone Reservoir, from United Utilities, as a new nature reserve. However, it will be a new style reserve, with a focus on community engagement, education and public participation. We will not be restricting any of the recreational activities which currently go on at the site, rather we will be trying to enhance the visitor experience for all.

Before we make any decisions on how to manage the site, we want to ask YOU, the existing users, neighbours and residents, what you would like to see at Dove Stone (or not to see as the case may be!)

As such we are entering an initial stage of public consultation, between now and end of October.

I would very much like to come out and talk to your associations - whether it be at one of your formal meetings, or simply at a gathering of a few interested people. This would be an opportunity for RSPB to outline our broad aspirations for the site, but more importantly for you to ask questions and air your views. If you are interested in this please respond on the above email or contact me on my mobile - 07710 084415.

In the meantime, we are planning to engage with the public through the following routes;

• staff and consultants looking to interview 1,000 visitors at Dove Stone over the next couple of weeks
• RSPB Dove stone web page, now up and running, where you can complete a questionnaire about what you would like to see at Dove Stone
• www.rspb.org.uk/dovestone this web site will be advertised in the press shortly and on a temporary sign to be erected at the east end of the Dove Stone car park on car on 27 July
• public open evenings to be held at Uppermill Civic Hall on 1st and 22nd Sep - timings of these will be advertised in the local press nearer to the date
• presentations to Oldham District Partnership and Saddleworth Parish Council.
At the end of this period, when we have received and analysed your views, the RSPB will develop a draft Visitor Experience Plan, which we will share for further consultation later in the winter.

I very much look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in due course.

Best wishes

Roy Taylor
RSPB Conservation Programmes Manager for Northern England