GMP Wildlife Officers strengthen partnership with National Trust to protect Holcombe Moor

The Wildlife Subject Matter Expert from the Force Prevention Branch, along with Neighbourhood Officers from Greater Manchester Police who volunteer as Wildlife Officers, attended Holcombe Moor working alongside National Trust rangers and volunteers.

The visit reinforced a growing partnership aimed at protecting the local rural environment and encouraging stronger reporting from the community.

The visit follows incidents of criminal damage on the moor and at nearby Peel Tower, which have highlighted the vulnerabilities of this landscape and the importance of early reporting by the public.

Neighbourhood teams across Greater Manchester continue to strive to engage with all communities - including those who may feel more isolated or out of sight, such as rural residents.

Neighbourhood officers volunteer their own time as Wildlife Officers, building trusted relationships with the National Trust, local volunteers, and land managers to help protect landscapes like Holcombe Moor.

During the engagement, officers received practical education on how the moorland functions, why it is environmentally significant, and the challenges faced by those who manage it. The site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare breeding birds and fragile blanket bog habitat, making it particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

Rangers guided officers across key routes, explained the impact of damage on sensitive habitats, and familiarised teams with the terrain, access points, and the ranger base - all of which will help officers respond more effectively to future incidents in the area.

This growing relationship also means that, should an incident occur on the moor, officers will now have a clearer understanding of how to safely reach remote areas and can rely on the support and local expertise of the rangers.

The Force Prevention Branch and Wildlife Officers across the force remain committed to tackling wildlife and rural crime, including illegal off‑road vehicle use and criminal damage on the moor. Officers will continue working closely with the National Trust to increase patrols, focus on identified hotspots, and use all available enforcement powers when necessary.

The community is encouraged to report any suspicious activity, including off‑road bikes or quad bikes on the moor. Every report helps GMP build a clearer picture of what is happening and ensures incidents are taken seriously and followed up appropriately.

By working together, Wildlife Officers, rangers, volunteers, and residents can better protect Holcombe Moor and safeguard this important landscape for the future. Relationships with other forces’ Wildlife Teams are also being developed, recognising that many rural areas border neighbouring policing regions.

PS Sam De Gouveia said:

“The National Trust team have given us a deeper understanding of how this landscape works and why it needs protecting, and we’re genuinely grateful for their time and expertise.

“This partnership means we’re better equipped than ever to respond to incidents on the moor, and it has strengthened a relationship we’re proud of.

"We’re committed to working side by side to safeguard Holcombe Moor for the community and for the wildlife that depends on it.”