Abandoned bogged down vehicle
Following repeated complaints from legitimate recreational visitors to the forest, Commission staff took action to intercept a group of ‘off-roaders’ last weekend (Saturday 13th February).
The group of 10 people, all in their 20’s and early 30’s, had illegally entered the forest with 4 motorbikes, 2 quad bikes and an off-road land rover. With the help of local police, the group were ordered to leave the site – after details of all of the participants and their vehicles were recorded.
A spokesperson for Forestry Commission Scotland said: “This sort of unauthorised motorised access to the national forest estate is entirely unacceptable. Not only is it illegal but it is also very intimidating for other forest users and could result in serious or even fatal injury.
“It also makes a mess of our forest trails and can result in local habitats being very badly damaged potentially with implications for forest product certification. We are not prepared to put up with it.
“When our staff quite properly asked this group to leave, they were subjected to abuse and threats and so had to call the police. We are not prepared to put up with that kind of behaviour towards other recreational users or our own staff and will continue to work with the local police to take robust action against this kind of activity.”
Neighbours and other legitimate users are encouraged to report all illegal/unauthorised motorsport activity in this, or any other forest in Aberdeenshire by calling the Commission’s office in the area on 01466 794161 or telephoning Grampian Police directly on 0845 600 5700. Details such as vehicle types and registration numbers would be useful but on no account should members of the public put themselves at risk.
Dave MacKinnon, Force Wildlife Crime Officer, Grampian Police said: “We work closely with our colleagues from the Forestry Commission on a number of issues including illegal off roading within FC woodlands. Persons engaged in this activity run the risk of being charged with various offences under the Road Traffic Act including Section 34 – Driving elsewhere than on roads. Offenders can also have their vehicles seized under Anti -Social Behaviour legislation.
“This illegal activity not only affects legitimate forest users but can impact on public safety and protected species or habitats.”
The Forestry Commission was keen to point out that it has good working relationships with a number of local motorsport clubs and organisations that enjoy legitimate access to Aberdeenshire’s forests.
The Commission spokesperson added: “It is definitely a minority, rogue element that needs to be tackled and we would invite legitimate off-road clubs to distance themselves from this type of behaviour.”