Fears raised over biking in woods

MOTORBIKING events have been called into question after campaigners said the sport was doing damage to protected woodland in Wiltshire.

Becky Addy Wood, near Upper Westwood in Bradford on Avon, has been home to West Wilts Motor Club since 1954, with regular competitions taking place in the forest.

The last one, held in April, caused concern among locals who believe that the motorbikes are causing damage to trees and saplings and should be banned under a tree prevention order in place in the area. But the club says that claims the woodland is damaged are not true.

The next event is set to go ahead on October 6.

Lou Barry, Wiltshire Council tree warden, said: “West Wilts Motor Club want to continue using Becky Addy Wood like they have always done but times change and our forests are getting more and more precious. We have to take a stance.”

Christopher Humphreys lives nearby and added: “The ancient woodlands are rich in rare and endangered biodiversity. By definition a woodland tree protection order protects the entire wood – all trees, all saplings – and the impact of dozens of bikes has a deleterious impact on wildlife it supports.”

Cabinet member Toby Sturgis told campaigners that more evidence was needed before the council would take any action.

He said: “I fully appreciate concerns about the wood but we have to have the evidence to do this. At the moment there is a number of written statements; I do not consider they all provide evidence.”