Joining forces to prevent illegal access by off-road motorised vehicles and to create space for nature
In a bid to preserve wildlife and stop anti-social behaviour, volunteers, residents and the off-road driving community have come together to block off motorised vehicles damaging the Surrey Hills, and in a win for nature have created new habitat for wildlife.
The Drove Road at Ranmore Common is an ancient track on the Wotton Estate which cattle and other livestock would have been guided along on their way to market. After World War II it became an off-road, known as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT).
In recent years it has attracted a small group of criminals who routinely bash their way through the ancient hedge-line to tear up the sensitive woodland beyond and disrupt wildlife and residents in 4x4s and off-road motorbikes.
United by their love for nature, eight responsible members of the off-road driving community joined Surrey Choices, the person-centered support group for disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people, and charity Surrey Hills Society to create a series of natural barriers that also provide a habitat for birds, small mammals and insects.
Called “dead hedges”, these barriers are ideal hiding spaces for nesting animals and are a teeming eco-system for insects and other animals essential for healthy natural spaces. The dead hedges are built around a series of stakes gathered from the woodland floor, which are woven together with branches and other woodland matter.
In addition to being a home for animals, this green wall discourages people from going into other sensitive areas.
James Cohen, Chair of the South London & Surrey Trail Riders Fellowship, a group of responsible motorcycle trail riders said:
“Surrey’s network of byways are a fantastic way to enjoy the countryside – heading off them on to private land causing wanton destruction is illegal and tantamount to environmental vandalism. This minority of irresponsible individuals’ actions threatens our landscapes, creates problems for the entire nature loving community. It undermines the very essence of shared stewardship.”
Through the dead hedging, Surrey Hills National Landscape aims to return this part of the woodland, back to a safe space for nature and rare woodland animals, such as the dormouse.
Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director said:
“The Surrey Hills is a welcome space for everyone who respects and gives back to the natural environment. It is not a space for thrill seekers, who care nothing for the devastation they do to nature, the distress they cause for residents and damage to landowners’ property.
Through the fantastic work led by Surrey Choices, and supported by Surrey Hills Society, members of the Trail Riders Fellowship and Green Lanes Association, we want to send a message that the Surrey Hills is a place for people to enjoy and nature to thrive.
It’s inspiring to see volunteers working not just to prevent harm, but also to preserve and enhance our wild places. No matter the activity, it should never come at the expense of nature’s delicate balance, as illegal actions that harm the land are not only wrong—they rob us of the very beauty we seek to enjoy.”
The Wotton Estate commented.
“The Wotton Estate is committed to supporting the efforts of the Council, National Landscape and other stakeholder groups who are dedicated to stopping the damage being caused by a minority of users who do not respect or care for the habitat they are harming”
To volunteer in the Surrey Hills visit: Volunteer – Surrey Hills National Landscape