Motorbike scramblers cause damage to Goswick dunes
Dunes ar Goswick damaged by tyre tracks from motor bike scrambling. The dunes are important breeding sites for Skylarks and Meadow Pipits that nest amongst the grass in spring.
ECOLOGICALLY important sand dunes at Goswick have recently been damaged by the tyre tracks of motorbike scramblers.
Natural England wardens who work on the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve (NNR) say the activity is leaving the dunes vulnerable to erosion.
They have now contacted police in a bid to put a stop to the problem.
A spokesman for Natural England said: “There are a number of embryo dunes on the foreshore at Goswick, adjacent to the NNR. Sadly, these have recently been damaged by tyre tracks from motorbike scrambling.
“Scrambling also affects the older, more stabilised dunes by removing plant cover, which exposes sand that can then blow away. The dunes are also important breeding sites for skylarks and meadow pipits that nest amongst the grass in spring.
“Off-road driving is not permitted anywhere on the reserve under any circumstances and we have contacted the police regarding this recent incident at Goswick. They are looking into the matter seriously and local residents are keeping watch on the area.”
Lindisfarne NNR, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, contains 264 acres of sand dunes which are formed when wind-blown sand starts to gather and builds up to create a mound. This is then stabilised by marram grass, its long roots spreading into the sand. Then more plants colonise the dunes and eventually they become fixed features. The plants of the dunes include rare and unique species of importance, which support butterfly and moth species. The young and forming dunes are particularly fragile and vulnerable to erosion.
If you see anything suspicious, please ring the reserve office on 01289 381470.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Saturday 18 May 2013
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