TRUST WARDEN 'APPALLED' AFTER DRIVER DAMAGES PRECIOUS SHINGLE BEACH

Ringed plover - fuel spill threat to  nesting habitat

A MOTORIST who jeopardised fragile habitat by unlawfully testing  his  Land-Rover on a nature reserve got his come-uppance.

His vehicle got stuck in the in the sands off the South Walney Nature Reserve and will have to be retrieved (if that is possible). He  may also face prosecution.

The incident last Sunday prompted the Cumbria Wildlife Trust to issue a plea for  such individuals " to have more respect for our natural wild places".

Evidently the motorist, who has not been named, drove on to the nature reserve, across the protected beach and on to the sand in an area that is populated with seals and wading birds.

In doing so, he ignored ‘no entry’ signs and removed a log barrier to gain access. 

The reserve is protected under several conservation designations: it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

Said South Walney warden Sarah Dalrymple “It is illegal, dangerous and damaging to take cars on to the sands.

"There is damage to the vegetated shingle from the vehicle itself. Then there will be further damage from the vehicles that are going down to remove it.

"If it cannot be removed, there is serious risk of pollution from the petrol tank and oil as it rusts away - and the vehicle will potentially remain as eyesore for years."

She continued: I am appalled that some people think this is acceptable behaviour. The police are now dealing with the matter.”

The shingle beaches represent an unusual wildlife habitat and where an individual community of striking plants has developed over hundreds of years. Yellow horned-poppy, sea campion and biting stonecrop all grow here.

In spring and summer, oystercatchers and ringed plover nest, but they could be deterred by any leaking oil  or  petrol.                                                            

Sarah Dalrymple took this snap of the stranded vehicle