Plans for action against bikers in
protected woodland
After years of abuse at the hands of illegal bikers,
off-roaders and fly tippers, there may be a brighter future for one of the
Ashford area's finest woodlands.
Charing Beech Hangers, near Westwell, is protected by
law as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which means it is of
national importance. The activities of people driving motorbikes and 4x4s
through this private woodland are damaging its habitats and disturbing
wildlife. The wood has also been a destination for abandoned cars and
illegally dumped rubbish.
The Kentish Stour Countryside Project have joined forces
with English Nature, the Rail Link Countryside Initiative, local police
and public rights of way officers to explore ways of tackling these
problems. They have enlisted the help of Will Hirstle, a rural consultant,
in investigating various courses of action. Following consultation with
the owners of Charing Beech Hangers and a number of relevant bodies, he
has produced a report recommending a number of solutions.
These include physical measures such as fencing and
signs, initiatives to inform and involve the local community, and the
possibility of pursuing prosecutions.
"This report is just the beginning," said
Jason Adams of the Kentish Stour Countryside Project. "No decisions
have been made, but we hope that through a combination of approaches we
can make a difference. The first step will be to write a management plan
for the wood."
"We are particularly interested in the idea of
prosecutions," Jason went on to say. "Police in Dover have
recently arrested and charged a number of people who were biking across
farmland. Many people that go off-road are not aware they may be
committing an offence. Anyone who drives a motorbike or 4x4 through
Charing Beech Hangers without the landowner's permission is probably
breaking the law."
The report is currently being circulated to everyone
involved. It is hoped that work on a management plan could begin soon.
