In reply to Babika:
> One of the biggest problems is all the overhanging trees. It's not going to happen but if the tree branches could be significantly cut back from the crag it would reduce all the green and slime and a whole new crag would open up. Meantime it returns to a private esoteric play area......
The land is owned by the Chatsworth Estate and they are unlikely to agree to any major tree clearance.
Large scale rogue tree clearance should not be carried out at any time, and nesting season has started this year anyway. A number of years ago someone cleared a large amount of trees round the Apple Buttress area which prompted a response and notices going up from the estate to warn this was not allowed!
However the odd branches have disappeared carefully from some of the worst affected quality routes... If done regularly and carefully as John says these things don't build to a point where it becomes really noticeable when removed
Although even in winter the crag is often no worse to climb on than in summer (some exceptions) and makes a sheltered & sometimes (depending on buttress) sunny venue on a cold windy day.
Post edited at 16:26