New natural barriers protecting the Surrey Hills

Volunteers have built natural barriers to prevent motorised vehicles from damaging the Surrey Hills.

The Drove Road at Ranmore Common, an ancient track on the Wotton Estate, has attracted a small number of people using 4x4s and off-road motorbikes which damage the woodland and disrupt wildlife.

Surrey Choices, a support group for disabled and neurodivergent people, along with charity Surrey Hills Society and members of the off-road driving community, created a number of dead hedges to stop others harming the area.

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills national landscape director, said: "It's inspiring to see volunteers working not just to prevent harm, but also to preserve and enhance our wild places."

These dead hedges also provide a habitat for birds, small mammals and insects.

They are built around a series of stakes gathered from the woodland floor, which are woven together with branches and other woodland matter.

James Cohen, chairman of the South London & Surrey Trail Riders Fellowship, said: "Surrey's network of byways are a fantastic way to enjoy the countryside – heading off them on to private land causing wanton destruction is illegal and tantamount to environmental vandalism.

"This minority of irresponsible individuals' actions threatens our landscapes and creates problems for the entire nature-loving community.

"It undermines the very essence of shared stewardship."

Mr Fairbanks added: "No matter the activity, it should never come at the expense of nature's delicate balance, as illegal actions that harm the land are not only wrong - they rob us of the very beauty we seek to enjoy."

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