Recent measures have been imposed in order to prevent off-roaders from ruining the natural landscape/harming wildlife in Ranmore Common woods.
Ranmore Common woods are a scenic, tranquil place where many people from little children to the elderly enjoy various outdoor activities. Whether one is walking, hiking, cycling, running, horse riding or just simply sitting down and enjoying the fantastic views at King’s Viewpoint. Surrey is a county near London protected by the Green Belt. The Surrey Hills are in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) surrounding rare habitats, from chalk grassland to expansive ancient woodland. The Surrey Hills are enjoyed by many residents as well as visitors, particularly during the summer.
However, during lockdown off-road vehicles began to use the woods for their own entertainment, racing in large groups, littering, trampling vegetation and destroying ancient tracks and small paths. Tracks have been ruined by massive potholes, which fill up with rain water then turn into deep ruts of muddy water. Larger potholes are filling with water - this stagnant water makes the tracks inaccessible to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. All these effects have been really upsetting for the local residents living in the area, as the woods were so beautiful and peaceful before, now they are impacted by the oil and harmful pollutants which damage the natural habitats and cause wildlife to suffer. If vehicles become stuck they are often abandoned and set alight, which can cause catastrophic damage - for instance in the case of forest fires. The actions of a few selfish individuals, seems to impact the enjoyment of thousands of residents and visitors.
Many deer, foxes and other wild animals are most likely impacted by these vehicles. As well as smaller animals and vegetation, the natural habitats and thus ecosystems are also damaged by the vehicles, whose drivers probably don’t care about preserving the natural environment considering the overwhelming facts about climate change in the news. There are many local farms in the area, with fields bordering the woods - lambs and calfs as well as foals must find the noise frightening and overwhelming.
When asking one of my neighbours: how do you feel about off-roaders ruining the woods, ignoring certain measures which have been constructed to prevent them from accessing smaller tracks? India Wood replied “I would say that I find it upsetting, firstly because of the way they make the woods look with thick mud tracks, rubbish and car debris but also from the point of view of animals. The vehicles are so loud and must ruin their homes. I also find it quite intimidating when I come across large groups of people, especially in the big cars, particularly when I am on my own.”
Off-road vehicles not only cause a significant amount of damage to the environment as well as unsettling/upsetting the wildlife in the area. They also pose a threat to many people and dogs. Duke of Edinburgh Expedition groups complete Bronze expeditions within these woods, so the aspect of suddenly encountering a large group of four-by-four off-road vehicles can be quite daunting, considering the fact that these are groups of young teenagers on their own without adult supervision. Members of the elderly community may also find these vehicles disturbing, as well as young children riding bikes then having to avoid or stop for dangerous vehicles emerging round a corner of their path.
Measures have been constructed such as wooden pillars, large metal barriers and various other natural objects such as massive logs or fallen trees, however as illustrated in the photograph above, vehicles are motivated to cause further damage and ignore the barriers.
Overall, off-roaders are linked with a great deal of negativity causing significant, damaging effects upon the natural landscape of the Surrey Hills. Not only destroying wildlife and natural habitats, but also scaring farm animals and people. Being in nature is meant to reduce emotions such as stress, fear and anger, increasing pleasant emotions. However, this is certainly not the case and will not improve unless off-road drivers try to stick to main tracks designated for them, making sure they are careful of the environment around them. Many local people are eager for the by-ways to be closed, so there is no access for these vehicles into the woods.
