UNDER WHEEL & UNDER THREAT

The mountains we ride may look rugged, but are actually a habitat that needs our protection, as conservationist and rider Barbara Jones explains

Riding in the mountains, how often do you think about what’s beneath your wheels? You’re actually riding on one of the most threatened habitats in the UK. Just take a look at the many tiny plants braving the extreme conditions on the high mountain plateaus of the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis, Skiddaw and the Carneddau. This important ‘montane’ habitat is most common in Scotland, but fragments extend south to England and Wales.

Rainforests or meadows tend to get more publicity and interest. Comparing them with montane heath is like comparing a red squirrel with a snail – guess which gets the most votes? But we need to be concerned about this mountaintop habitat, especially in Wales and England, where its been badly damaged, particularly through overgrazing by sheep. Recreational impact along poorlydefined trails is also a problem, as is atmospheric nitrogen deposition and, more recently, climate change. All of these damage the vegetation, so important species are lost. Common grasses invade and the land becomes a desert of eroding soil and exposed bedrock.

In Wales, the most southerly examples of this habitat occur in Snowdonia, where a study has shown a significant deterioration in their condition over the past 40 years. Montane heath is being converted to acid grassland – and we have no shortage of that in our British uplands! Some of the heaths are now so degraded that if conservation measures aren’t implemented soon, restoration may not be possible, resulting in the complete loss of this vital habitat.

What does this mean for mountain bikers?

• Awareness and appreciation are half the battle. Knowing that these habitats exist (and where they occur) means you can take action to avoid damaging them.

• Stick to the paths. This minimises the spread of erosion and preserves the vegetation alongside.

• Avoid riding on exposed summits and ridges, especially on mats of woolly hair-moss.

• Ride with care. Skids are rad, but only in the right places!

• Plan according to the weather. Riding natural trails after heavy rain can erode and wash away the soil.

• Obey signage – avoid areas that may have been fenced off to allow vegetation to recover.