The North Wales Police rural crime team is appealing for information after “severe damage” was caused to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by off-road vehicles.
The vehicles were being driven illegally along a footpath near Glyndyfrdwy on the border of Wrexham and Denbighshire and caused “serious damage” on the blanket bog that surrounds the top of the Moel Fferna peak, the rural crime team said.
The area that was damaged by the off-road vehicles is home to some of Wales’ rarest plants and birds including cloudberry, merlin and hen harriers.
Rural crime team PC Chris James said: “Illegal off-roading at protected sites is an issue the rural crime team and partners are taking very seriously.
“We have been working with officers from Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru/Natural Resources Wales to assess the damage to the site near Glyndyfrdwy, and as a result of illegal off-roading, the area is gradually being eroded, causing increased runoff into the Dee tributaries, which will increase flood events as well as leaching carbon into the atmosphere.
“The area is part of the Berwyn SPA (Special Protected Area) for Schedule 1 birds and this habitat needs to remain intact for the birds to successfully rear chicks.”
James said off-roading in this area is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it will not be tolerated.
“We are asking anyone who sees any activity, or anyone with information about off-road bikes in the area, to contact us direct on 101, or via the website.
“I would also urge those who use off-road bikes to check way markers and maps to verify the category of any track or path.”
North Wales Police rural crime team said further police patrols will be taking place in the area as part of the recently launched Operation Dales.
The operation sees rural crime team officers targeting off-road bikes being ridden illegally anti-socially in rural areas of Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire.
It follows a number of complaints made by local residents of bikes causing noise, disruption and damage to areas of outstanding natural beauty and SSSIs.
