Take back the tracks
Join our campaign to protect precious Peak District green lanes from off-roading damage!
We've had a great response to our campaign so far. Lots of people have asked us questions about what we're doing, so have a look at our answers...
Why?
We campaign against people destroying land and disturbing tranquillity with off-road 4x4 vehicles, trail motorbikes and quad bikes. We focus on the most environmentally sensitive routes in the Peak District.
Most off-roading happens on lanes and paths where cars should not have the priority. There are various categories for different routes which can be confusing. Some are BOATs (Byways Open to All Traffic) and others are unclassified. Some off-roading is legal, but damaging; some off-roading is completely illegal.
Apart from ruining people's quiet enjoyment of the countryside, off-roaders are causing serious erosion and destroying precious wildlife areas, including some which are nationally and internationally important.
Thanks!
Thank you to everyone who came and supported our Take Back the Tracks rally at Stanage Pole in July. We sent a clear message to the Peak District National Park Authority that it needs to get tough on off-roaders.
Houndkirk - job done!
We've been campaigning for three years against 4x4 drivers and trail bikers carving up Houndkirk near Sheffield. Houndkirk Road itself is a legitimate byway and open to motor vehicles. However, off-roaders often drive too fast and recklessly, damaging the road especially in wet weather when it is already really boggy.
Our main concern at Houndkirk though, was that 4x4s created a trials circuit on an area of open moorland at the highest point on the road (just above Parson House Farm) that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This was illegal, an eyesore and an invitation for drivers to go further out onto the moor.
We raised awareness of the damage with Natural England, the Peak District National Park Authority and Sheffield City Council to look at ways to stop off-roaders and protect the land. Last year a team from Moors for the Future have fenced off the area, repaired the battered ground, and helped the heather to regenerate. They have also put in stiles so that walkers can still use the two footpaths there.
In March 2011 Sheffield City Council resurfaced an eastern section of Houndkirk Road with gritstone aggregate. Large boulders were dotted along the edges to stop vehicles widening the road. The response from some users has been negative. We have serious concerns about the lack of consultation, but we'll wait to see how the work beds in and how effective it is.
Washgate Lane
Washgate Lane, in Hartington Upper Quarter, has a listed pack horse bridge and some lovely tranquil countryside around it. Cars and bikes are eroding the lane and disturbing the peace here, and in March 2011 Derbyshire County Council proposed a ban on vehicles over one metre wide. Along with other user groups, we're pushing for a full ban.
Pin Dale
Pin Dale is near Castleton and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its nationally important limestone geology. It also has historic lead working remains, and rare habitats for unique plants and flowers. It's particularly vulnerable because it has an unsurfaced track that is legal for cars and trail-bikes. The problem has been irresponsible drivers and riders who have used it as a race-track or rubbish dump - and driving off road. The good news is that English Heritage, working with Natural England and Lafarge, have now fenced and blocked off the sensitive areas.
The Roych
The Roych is an unsurfaced road close to the iconic Rushup Edge near Chapel-en-le-Frith. It has been badly eroded by the 600 4x4s and trail-bikes that go there every month, mainly at weekends. So we cautiously welcomed the Peak District National Park Authority introducing a voluntary one-way system there. Trail-bikers and 4x4 drivers are alos being asked to follow a Code of Conduct. We're a bit sceptical about how effective these voluntary arrangements will be and will keep an eye on how things are going. If it doesn't work, then some more serious restrictions will have to be put in place...
Chapel Gate
Chapel Gate is a green lane that skirts Rushup Edge, the beautiful high ridge between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Edale. We've been campaigning with local people to get Chapel Gate closed and start saving this iconic landscape from more damage. We were pleased when the Peak District National Park Authority served an experimental 18 month ban on 4x4s and trail bikes - they are now monitoring how effective the repairs and restrictions are. We want to see this temporary ban made permanent.
School Lane
School Lane crosses Great Hucklow Wood, an ancient and protected woodland site. Trial bikes and 4x4s are damaging the woodlands as well as the character of this track, and making it difficult for other people to use. Part of the route is an access to the local primary school, so there are serious concerns about the safety of children and parents too. At the end of 2010, Derbyshire County Council consulted on plans to close School Lane to all traffic, which we supported. DCC still hasn't decided!
What are we doing elsewhere?
Throughout the Peak District, we are campaigning to stop the destruction of landscapes in other places, and to preserve routes for quiet enjoyment by foot, horse or bike. Have a look at our off-roading policy for more information. We're lobbying for
- the most sensitive routes to be closed to 4x4s and trail bikes
- the police to take firmer action against illegal off-roading
- innovative solutions such as developing dedicated, less sensitive areas for off-roading
Absolutely FAB...
We've been working with these other groups
- FAB (Forum for Ancient Byways) - set up to bring together local parishes and communities affected by off-roading in and around the Hope Valley to take action more effectively together.
- The Peak District Green Lanes Alliance - an action group against irresponsible off-roading in the Peak District, made up of local parishes and recreational users.
- Rocking the BOAT - the action group for the Longstone Edge area (see Rocking the BOAT's photos of erosion and environmental damage on high priority routes caused by 4x4s and trail bikes).
What you can do
- Get in touch with John King, our planning officer, if you are concerned about off-roading in a place that's important to you
- Write to or email the Peak District National Park Authority or Derbyshire County Council about off-roading
- Report actual incidents of illegal off-roading to your local police (but make sure you don't put yourself in any danger)
