Stick to designated tracks to protect Island environment

Illegal riders issued fixed penalty notices

Motorcyclists seeking new places to watch the TT races are being reminded to stick to designated tracks.

It comes after four men from the UK were issued with fixed penalty notices for riding illegally near Snaefell on Tuesday.

Upland wardens are conducting regular patrols in response to multiple reports of illegal riding and footage on social media of people removing fencing to access restricted areas.

The Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Clare Barber, has issued a warning saying the Island is full of biodiversity, 'none of which should be disturbed.’

She said: "While we understand the temptation to find new vantage points, we urge riders to be responsible. 

"The uplands are home to protected ground nesting birds, such as red-listed hen harrier, fragile habitats and important livestock, none of which should be disturbed."

To find maps of the useable green lanes and greenways, you can scan the below QR code, which is also displayed on signs located on DEFA owned uplands, physical copies of the Outdoor Leisure Maps and bookshops and information centres.

Last week, Manx Wildlife Trust issued this statement:

They have also issued a warning regarding camp fires and barbecues, saying wildfires 'are a real risk to our critical habitats and in particular our peatlands at this time of year'. 

In a post on social media, they said: "With the influx of visitors, camp fires, barbecues and camping stoves over TT, this is of particular concern.

"On the Isle of Man, we have experienced upland and lowland areas being affected by devastating wildfires, most critically our peatlands and the endangered species such as invertebrates, small mammals and ground nesting birds that call it home.

"Our Island’s healthy peatlands are also the largest terrestrial store carbon store, however during wildfires, this carbon is burnt and released into the atmosphere.

"It is therefore vital that the public take extra care when visiting our hills, forests, glens, the wider countryside. Never have a BBQ, campfire or camp stove in a prohibited area, and ideally not in the countryside at all. 

"However, in permitted areas, please follow these precautions:

• Never leave a barbecues, campfire or camp stove unattended
• Ensure the barbecues or camp stove is on a flat surface, raised off the ground to avoid direct contact with the soil
• Keep flames well away from long vegetation, trees or shrubs
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Ensure the barbecues, campfire or camp stove is cool before attempting to move it
• Embers from barbecues, campfires and campfires can easily be carried by the wind
• Disposable barbecues are often not put out properly, which can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather and pose a threat to wildlife and their disposable design makes them wasteful and harmful to the environment
• Do not bury disposable barbecues, dispose of sensibly
• Take your litter home"