National Trust concerned about cliff path cycling
GUERNSEY’S National Trust has joined with La Societe in raising concerns about Guernsey Mountain Biking Association’s trial of night-riding on the cliffs.
The GMBA is being allowed to use two sections of cliff path in St Peter’s and Torteval for night-time mountain biking on a four-month trial basis.
Trust president Mike Brown labelled the decision ‘deeply disappointing’, particularly as many vergees of trust land bordered the trial route, and said the trust stood in full agreement with the concerns already expressed by La Societe and the Guernsey Wildlife Group.
Mr Brown insisted that the GMBA was fully aware of the trust’s opposition to mountain biking in Sites of Special Interest and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, saying that had the trust been approached, it would not have granted permission for the activity.
He said that the break in the route between Mont Herault and Batterie Dollman had only been excluded in theory, with clear evidence of bike treads and damage which caused harm to the natural environment.
And because the trial only permitted cycling at night, he considered it a near certainty that it would be deemed a success as it would minimise the likelihood of interactions with pedestrians.
‘Wildlife – unable to voice its concerns – bears the brunt of the disturbance,’ he said.
‘This trial appears to set the stage for a gradual expansion of cycling access, a likely “mission creep” by the GMBA and Agricultural & Land Management Services, which could cause significant and lasting damage to Guernsey’s natural environment.’
He said the trust ‘fully supported’ outdoor recreation, but never at the expense of conservation.
‘As the GMBA is already aware, if suitable land within our portfolio were identified, we would be open to granting permission.
‘On rare occasions, we have allowed a small section of trust land to be used for limited periods during specific, one-off events lasting only a couple of hours.
‘However, our dissatisfaction with this trial is both justified and unequivocal.’
ACLMS said that it would bear the concerns raised about the consultation process in mind for future matters.
It said the go-ahead for cyclists had intentionally only been permitted on a trial basis following consideration of impacts to the environment and other path users, and risks to participants.
‘We’d encourage anyone with feedback to contact the Guernsey Mountain Biking Association, who will share their feedback with us.’
The GMBA is set to meet with La Societe representatives this week to discuss its concerns.
