Public urged to protect internationally important wildlife site during Covid-19 lockdown

The picturesque Blackhill, near Bere Regis has once again been damaged by the creation of trails and jumps for cyclists. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), part of the Dorset Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Dorset Heaths Special Area of Conservation (SAC); it is protected by UK and European law because of its fantastic value for wildlife. Cyclists are only permitted to use the bridleways across the site and are not allowed to ride over other areas of the hill including the areas that have been dug up to build jumps. This damage has increased during the Covid-19 lockdown and The Urban Heaths Partnership along with Dorset Police and Natural England are reaching out to the public for their help in tackling this problem.

Amy, the local Urban Heaths Partnership Warden is passionate about the unique character of these spaces. She said: “We are so lucky to have heathland right on our doorstep in Dorset, but many people don’t realise how special these areas are. Often, the people who are using or creating these trails and jumps do not realise the catastrophic impact it has on the wildlife. For instance, sandy areas are used to incubate the eggs of one of our rarest reptiles, the sand lizard. Something as simple as riding across it could destroy a whole clutch of eggs hidden beneath the surface. It is brilliant that so many people are out being active but please help us to protect Blackhill Heath, by keeping to bridleways. They are marked by signposts on site and are shown on Ordnance Survey maps as well as on Dorset Explorer at http://explorer.geowessex.com.”

The public are also being urged to report any damage or inappropriate use of the site, both to the Police and to Natural England. Claire Dinsdale, Rural Crime Officer at Dorset Police said: “We would ask the public to report to police if any persons are seen damaging the SSSI by digging or riding motorbikes or cycling off the permitted bridleway routes. Anyone found causing such damage will be dealt with and any motorbikes used off road in this way will be seized. Officers will be patrolling in this area.”

Hilary Habberfield from Natural England’s Dorset Countryside & Water Team said: “Black Hill Heath is home to a variety of special flora and fauna and some of England’s most threatened species. These include ground nesting nightjar, sun-loving smooth snakes, bell heather and the old oak woods on the edges of the heathland.

“We are all responsible for looking after this protected area and allowing it to thrive for the benefits of people and nature.”

If you witness damage to the plants or animals of Black Hill Heath, please contact Dorset Police. For crimes in progress use 999, for urgent reports use 101, for all other reports email [email protected]

Please also inform Natural England by email [email protected] or telephone 0300 060 3900 to help us keep this place special.

The picture below shows the impact of unauthorised bike ramp construction on vegetation (left) and an area of undamaged woodland showing a healthy forest floor (right).