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14 May 2008
Scramblers spook cows
Trespassing motorbikes scare grazing cattle on reserve
Rare breed cattle grazing at Ditchford Lakes and Meadows Nature Reserve in Northamptonshire have been spooked by vandals illegally entering the site after dark to race motorbikes.
Fences were vandalised to get their bikes into the reserve enabling the panicking cattle to escape. After rounding up the four cows from neighbouring fields and repairing the damaged fences the following day, staff were called again by the police during the night to capture the cows from the roadside after the vandals returned for a second night.
Despite work completed last year to improve access for all visitors, the site is still suffering from illegal access. This trespassing poses serious safety risks as well as damaging the sensitive ground and disturbing the wetland birds. It also uses up a lot of the charity’s resources dealing with emergencies.
Jane Pearman, reserves manager of The Wildlife Trust in Northamptonshire said, “It is a great shame that this beautiful reserve is being mistreated by a few who probably don’t realise potentially serious consequences of their actions”.
Ditchford Lakes and Meadows Nature Reserve is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, an idyllic wetland near Rushden. The old established gravel pits are rich in dragonflies and damselflies, including the uncommon hairy dragonfly. Many people visit to enjoy nature, exercise and spot wildlife. It is renowned among birdwatchers as one of the best sites in the county to view wintering waterfowl, such as snipe and gadwall. Conservation grazing is a traditional way of managing wet grassland to allow wildflowers to thrive. The site is owned by East Northamptonshire Council and managed for wildlife by the Wildlife Trust.
If you have any information about these motorbikers, please contact Jane Pearman on 01604 405285.