Due to high risk of moorland fires, Natural England have placed a fire prevention restriction on Open Access Land.

They ask the public to keep to public rights of way when entering Open Access Land which are not affected by this restriction and not to roam onto the open access land in areas shown on the map.

Restrictions remain in place until further notice.

The main areas of Open Access Land within Bolton being Horrocks Moor off Scout Road, Smithills, Smithills Moor off Coal Pit Road, Smithills and Makinson Moor and Wilders Moor off Georges Lane, Horwich.

It comes as a recent fire on July 13 broke out due to a disposed barbecue on the same day as a larger fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, which required 10 different crews to bring it under control, including firefighters from Bolton.

Water Manager for GMFRS, Station Manager Alex Sugden said: “Every year, fires destroy countryside and wildlife across Greater Manchester, and they are often caused by carelessness.

“We urge people enjoying the countryside to please never bring a barbecue.

“Fires on moorland can be incredibly dangerous, causing huge disruption to local communities, and taking up the time of our fire crews who may be needed for other serious incidents.”

For more information call the Open Access Contact Centre on 0300 060 2091 or visit www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/use-your-right-to-roam