Water vole habitat damaged in the Peak District

Police are appealing for information after the habitat of water voles was seriously threatened in an area of the Peak District National Park.

The incident occurred on Sunday 16th August 2009 on Long Causeway at Stanage near the village of Hathersage. This is an unclassified highway which allows the use of motor vehicles along its length over the Derbyshire county boundary into South Yorkshire.

During the day serious damage was caused by an off-road vehicle to both sides of the track. These are areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSIs) and a special area of conservation for water voles.

PC Kevin Lowe, Safer Neighbourhood Officer for the area and co-ordinator for Operation Blackbrook, said: "Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

"It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly destroy or obstruct their shelter or disturb the water voles.

"Prosecutions can be brought by Natural England and fines of up to £5,000 can be imposed by the courts upon conviction.

"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or has knowledge of the offenders to come forward and contact me on 0345 123 33 33 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Operation Blackbrook is an ongoing project to support the issues raised by villagers who live in the Peak District and whose quality of life has been affected by the drivers or riders of motor vehicles or motor cycles who drive or ride off-road in an inappropriate or illegal manner.

The project has been supported by the Peak District National Park (PDNP) which has provided staff on special project days and also financed leaflets to inform drivers and riders about how to access the park in an appropriate manner.

The PDNP has also expanded its website to give advice about this issue to both riders and drivers. The project has been very successful and is ongoing.

The villagers now have a quarterly meeting where they can be updated about the project and raise issues. This group has now also co-opted the principal representatives from the Peak District Vehicle User Group (PDVUG) and the Buxton Area Land Rover Club (BALRC), who represent off-road riders and drivers. Both groups fully support the Blackbrook project.

Note

The picture shows some of the serious damage caused by an off-road vehicle to the boggy area at the side of the road.

Water Voles are listed in on Schedule 5 in relation to section 9(4) and the offences are:

Intentionally or recklessly, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection.

Intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles whilst occupying a structure or place used for that purpose.