Abandoned vehicles on moors "increase fire and flood risk"

Renegade off-roaders are causing havoc on valuable moors and could bring a threat of fires to hillside communities.

The uncaring joyriders are leaving 4x4 vehicles stranded and abandoned on Marsden Moor, which interlinks to moors surrounding Saddleworth.

And  Craig  Best, countryside manager for the National Trust, warned: “Currently, these illegal joy rides on the moor in a 4x4 type vehicle or motorbike are damaging peat and wildlife habitat.

“In the spring and summer the hot engines and exhaust could result in another moorland fire costing the National Trust and wider community in excess of half a million pounds.”

The vehicles, pictured, were abandoned near Redbrook Reservior at the weekend after becoming stuck. They were driven along Standedge Trail, a bridle path, which is strictly not for vehicles.

“Off-roading on Marsden Moor is illegal without the landowners permission,” said Mr Best. “This is a protected site, home to rare species and precious blanket bog. This incident has been reported to police.

“We have increased our weekend ranger patrols, but can't be everywhere at once.

“Please keep reporting illegal off-roader vehicles, bikes and quad bikes on Marsden Moor to the police.

“The damage caused means countless hours of volunteer work and money spent on restoring this part of the moors has been lost. The exposed peat causes increased fire and flood risk.”

He added: “It is incredibly frustrating to see the work we’re doing to protect this precious landscape damaged by those engaging in illegal off-road activity.

“As well as damaging the peat, these vehicles cause erosion and ruin habitats which are home to rare breeds like the mountain hare and curlew. This has a huge environmental and financial impact.

“Over recent months, we’ve seen a spate of illegal off-roaders using this part of Marsden Moor. We’ve increased ranger patrols and have been working closely with West Yorkshire Police to catch those responsible.

“We are very grateful to the public for reporting off-roading on the moor to the police. They are offering vital assistance.”

Mr Best is consulting with responsible off-road organisations, including the Green Lañe Association, a not for profit association dedicated to "driving, protecting and researching our unique heritage of unsurfaced public highways."

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