Steve Hudson has been using Blacka Moor, off Hathersage Road, near Dore Moor, for more than 20 years but has fallen foul of regulations to protect the nature reserve.

He argues that the land was left to the people of Sheffield by Alderman JG Grave Sheffield Wildlife Trust, which manages the land on behalf of the council, says it wants to encourage outdoor activities but it also has to protect bird nesting and grazing for cattle.

Walking, horse riding and mountain biking is permitted because it is on designated trails but the trust says that, in general, flying is not allowed because it can spook birds and cattle.

Steve, who runs Tideswell-based Derbyshire Flying Centre, which offers hang gliding and paragliding, said if birds were nesting he would keep away, although he disputes whether birds are nesting there. If they were they would be disturbed by bracken clearing and other activities, he said.

"We think our impact on wildlife has been minimal. We have been responsible users for more than 20 years. This is land that has been left to the residents of Sheffield for recreation and it is being subverted by people who want to use it as a nature reserve."

Steve said he wanted to be allowed to continue making a living and "to carry on teaching people the skill of flying, keeping them fit and offering an adventurous potential for our youth".


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