Idiot tourists get stuck on protected beach

AS THE PROVERB says, there are always a few bad apples. In this case, it is three tourists who drove a rented nine-day-old £100,000 Range Rover onto a protected beach and found themselves trapped in sinking sand.

Populated with seals, South Walney Nature Reserve in Cumbria is protected under several conservation designations. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

Despite prominent ‘No Entry’ signs and a log barrier, the three men, believed to be from the East Midlands and en route to Scotland, went to great lengths to get onto the beach before getting stuck.

After unsuccessful attempts to free the car, it sank deeper as the tide came in.

It was towed away the next day with its windows open (after the seawater damaged the electrics) and covered in mud. Following the incident, the protected Walney beach is now damaged by oil that threatens vegetation and wildlife.

A Cumbria Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: “It is illegal, dangerous and damaging to take cars onto the sands. I am appalled that some people think this is acceptable behaviour. The police are now dealing with the matter.”

This is yet another incident that gives sensible Land Rover drivers a bad name.

If you would like to know more about the Cumbria Wildlife Trust check out cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk, or for details on how you can help make a difference call 01539 816300 or email mail@ cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.