Off-road bikers 'risk to walkers'

The reserve is popular with visitors and local people alike

Illegal off-road motorcyclists have been accused of risking the safety of walkers at a coastal nature reserve.

Holyhead Mountain and South Stack RSPB reserve on Anglesey attracts thousands of visitors and is part of the island coastal path.

Park wardens say they have been "abused and threatened" when trying to speak to some of the riders.

North Wales Police said a number of vehicle seizure and warning notices had already been issued.

"These vehicles present a danger to visitors going about their business on foot, as the site has numerous hidden dips and blind summits," said RSPB Cymru safety officer Richie Owen.

Rosie Frankland, the Anglesey Council Coastal Path officer, said visitors to the area contributed significantly to the local economy.

Our efforts to reason with the riders have been met with verbal abuse and threats Dave Bateson, RSPB South Stack warden

"We are not only concerned that they could be injured but also that the use of the area by the bikes could put people off returning," she added.

RSPB Cymru monitoring has shown a distinct increase in the illegal activity in recent years, despite the efforts of local wardens.

"For a number of years we have been attempting to intercept riders on Holyhead Mountain to explain that what they are doing is illegal and presenting a danger to visitors," said warden Dave Bateson.

"Unfortunately, our efforts to reason with the riders have been met with verbal abuse and threats."

North Wales Police are also involved.

Warning notices

Dave Owens, the community beat manager said: "During the initial investigation a number of vehicle seizure notices have been issued.

"Warning notices have also been produced, advising the public that this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and and that motor vehicles are not permitted."

He added that anyone caught off-roading at the site could be fined £1,000 and have their motorcycle seized.

RSPB Cymru lease most of Holyhead Mountain and Penrhosfeilw Common from Anglesey council and manage it as a nature reserve.

Both areas are of national and international importance and are designated SSSIs, Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation.

They are also part of the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.