BIRDS and wildlife habitats have been put in danger due to damage by off-road motorised vehicles, such as quad and dirt bikes.

The Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA) covers around 26,832 ha of moorland north and south of Muirkirk. It is one of the largest special protection areas in Scotland and internationally important due to the vulnerable birds it supports.

It is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of large areas of peat-forming blanket bog, acid grasslands and heather moorland – supporting a myriad of species.

Area officer at NatureScot, John Adair, said: “At a time when more and more people are aware of nature and of the need to protect habitats which are home to so much of our wildlife, it is very disappointing to see this illegal activity continue.

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"Not only is criminal damage being carried out by breaking down fences and gates, but the individuals involved are putting themselves at great risk of being found guilty of wildlife crime, whether deliberate or non-deliberate.

"All of the local farmers and owners are trying hard to improve conditions for wildlife on the moors, and to see an increase in their numbers, and so it is quite tragic that the local populations of animals and birds using the moorland are being so negatively affected by these illegal activities.”

It's not just the birds that are at risk. Vast areas of the moorland are covered by blanket bog – which has become increasingly important as a carbon sink in the form of peat and it takes 10 years to form 1cm of peat.

Estate factor from land managers, Stanley Wright, Nick Wright, said: “We have started a programme of peatland restoration across the estate. These vehicles damage the land; they create channels for water to flow and erode the soil and peat.

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"There’s also the wildlife, several priority species we work hard to protect and, of course, the sheep, pregnant ewes and the new-born lambs in spring to consider. These vehicles cause disturbance and distress to these creatures. It’s sad and frustrating."

Incredibly, some of the peat is up to 8m deep, meaning this peat may have formed around 8000 years ago. Motor vehicles in and around this area damages the soil structure, which in turn can greatly affect the water table. This stops peat forming and eventually damages the peat itself.

When this happens, it stops being a carbon sink and instead can begin leaking carbon into the atmosphere.