FLS and police join forces to curb dangerous behaviour in Aberdeenshire forests

Police will carry out patrols to curb illegal motorised activities on Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) sites in Aberdeenshire which is putting members of the public at risk of injury.

The repeated unauthorised access by people on motorbikes and quad bikes in Fetteresso and Durris Forests, has been condemned by FLS, police and people from the local community.

Along with police patrols, FLS is appealing for members of the public to help stop antisocial behaviour by reporting illegal activity to police.

Motorbike, quad and 4x4 use in the forest is an offence. Motorised activities are not included in the right to responsible access and those accessing via motorised vehicle must have landowners’ permission.

Fiona Robertson, FLS’ Area Visitor Services Manager, said:

“Using any motor vehicle on the trails that we manage is not only illegal but also potentially hazardous for other forest users. This includes a high number of walkers, cyclists and horse riders; not to mention they are working forests with live forestry operations in areas.

“The speed at which these people are travelling through the forest puts other users’ safety at risk from injury and is having negative impacts on surrounding residents.

“It’s really important that nobody puts themselves in danger by confronting anyone but if people can pass us registration numbers, dates and times if they witness these types of behaviours, we can inform Police Scotland.

“We want people to enjoy their visits to our forest but this must be done responsibly and with consideration for other people and the law.”

Police Scotland has confirmed officers from Stonehaven will be making regular rounds of the forests to target those involved in dangerous and illegal behaviour.

Inspector Mark Young said:

“Local officers will be carrying out patrols in and around the forest during the summer months in response to the illegal use of motorbikes and quad bikes in Fetteresso forest.

“This behaviour is not acceptable; it is illegal and dangerous. Those identified face prosecution, fines, driving bans and vehicles may be seized and destroyed. 

“We work closely with partner agencies to identify offenders with information from the public vital in providing us with descriptions of people or vehicles involved.”

Due to the nature of scramble bike use and the risks it poses to other users the only time FLS will allow such access is via organised events such as MotorsportUK and Scottish Auto Cycle Union sanctioned events. This ensures participants have insurance and that vehicles are road worthy plus the event has public liability insurance.

Dealing with the impact and any clear-up necessary from illegal activity diverts FLS resources and staff time from planned work.

Registration numbers and details of incidents can be emailed to enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot or to Police Scotland by dialling 101.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | X.com/ForestryLS 
3. Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot