Forestry Commission - News - end of the road for shropshire's joy riders

Shropshire’s forest rangers have launched a crack down on joy riders following an increase in the number of illegal off-road motoring incidents on Forestry Commission land.

Mortimer Forest, Bury Ditches and Hopton Wood are amongst the key hotspots for people in four-wheel drive vehicles and on motorbikes, who are committing a list of offences on the sites.

Despite past efforts to secure access points by the Forestry Commission, determined trespassers have moved barriers and ignored no entry signs to drive dangerously through the forests, which are well known for their rough terrain.

To curb this illegal activity, forest rangers have launched an enforcement campaign to deter joy riders and other off-roaders from entering the region’s forests’ without permission and breaking a number of bylaws.

Increased surveillance and manned barriers will aim to target the culprits and raise awareness of the safety risks that their reckless behavior creates for themselves and other people using the forest for leisure purposes.

Georgina Sharp, Recreation Ranger for the Forestry Commission at the Mortimer Forest, said:

“We want as many as people as possible to enjoy the region’s forests and this means maintaining public safety at all times.

“We’re receiving regular complaints from walkers, cyclists and horse riders put at risk by off-roaders on forest trails, so immediate action must be taken to avoid potential accidents.”

Forest fires ignited by motor engines are increasingly common and fly tipping is also spoiling what should be beautiful woodlands.

The Forestry Commission welcomes visitors to the woodlands it manages, more information on what facilities are available can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/marches

4x4 enthusiasts are able to enjoy the forests in the area through Atlas Driver Training. Atlas works closely with the Forestry Commission and ensures that their events do not compromise the safety of the public or the conservation value of the woodlands.

For further information about Atlas Driving Training Ltd visit: www.atlas4x4.co.uk

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Images attached of cyclists and walkers enjoying Forestry Commission woodland in The Marches area. Higher resolution versions are available by calling 015394-42436.

2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The West Midlands region covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands conurbation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Georgina Sharp (Recreation Ranger) at the Mortimer Forest Office on 01584 813826 or e-mail: georgina.sharp@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact Dennis Moir (Area Forester) at Mortimer Forest on 01584 813823 or email dennis.moir@forestry.gsi.gov.uk