A group made up of police, Peak Park rangers and members of 4x4 clubs carried out the project after serious damage was caused to the area alongside Long Causeway, near Hathersage.

Tools and wood were provided by the Peak District National Park Authority and the fences were put up at two locations on the trail where the damage has been most severe.

The team was assembled by Pc Kevin Lowe of Derbyshire Police and also included representatives from the Peak District Vehicle Users Group, Dukeries Land Rover Club and the Trail Riders Fellowship.

Pc Lowe said: "During the last few weeks the water vole environment at Long Causeway has been under attack from irresponsible off road users who have gone off the main track and churned up the boggy area which is the home of the Water Vole."

Water voles are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Police, rangers and off-road clubs plan another project next January, when they will concentrate their efforts on people who are misusing motorbikes and jeeps in Pindale, near Hope.