MOUNTAIN bikers are being warned they are committing criminal damage if they dig up protected ancient woodland to build tracks.

Notices are being put up at the Great Copse following complaints from local people that the beauty spot is being defaced with unauthorised earthworks. 

Borough councillor Jane Milner-Barry said: “Old Town residents love the Great Copse, which is a county wildlife site. People have been getting in touch with their local councillors and asking why nothing was being done to protect it.”

In December the Adver reported bikers were digging up parts of the wood to build an unofficial track. Young men were using shovels and wheelbarrows to dig pits, leaving large areas of bare earth, mud and damaged tree roots between the Intel Building and Nationwide. Outdoor furniture had also been left on the site.

Coun Milner-Barry said: “The problem is that although the tracks are still being extended we can never find the mountain bikers on site.  

“We would like to explain to them that the Great Copse is a protected area and that there is a fabulous mountain bike course just over Pipers Way which is maintained by

Mountain Bike Swindon and free for everyone to use. So now we have decided to try something else.”

Posters have been produced by the borough council’s ranger team warning that digging on the site, which is designated a county wildlife site by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and is protected under the UK Biodiversity Action plan, constitutes criminal damage and anyone caught can be prosecuted.

They have been put up at the three main entrances to the woodland.

“We hope this will warn them off and do the trick to stop the damage,” she said. 

“After lockdown is over, we will be asking for volunteers to help us make good the damage, with the aid of the ranger team.  Lots of Old Town residents have already offered to help, which is great.

“We can’t do anything without people volunteering so the more people we get involved the better.”

She added the council was also trying to promote biodiversity in the area by changing its mowing regime north of Pipers Way near the railway embankment.

“It didn’t get mowed much because of lockdown but now has some lovely flowers. The community enjoy nurturing them so we’re looking at how we can continue this.”

If you would like to volunteer with repairing the Great Copse or maintaining the bio-diversity email Jane on janemilnerbarry@gmail.com