National Trust furious after illegal off-roaders abandon their stranded 4x4s on Marsden Moor

Two 4x4s used for illegal off-roading have been abandoned on a protected moorland managed by the National Trust.
By Grace Newton
Published 25th Jan 2021, 14:52 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2021, 14:57 BST
One of the abandoned 4x4s on Standedge TrailOne of the abandoned 4x4s on Standedge Trail
One of the abandoned 4x4s on Standedge Trail

The conservation charity shared images of the vehicles, which appeared to have become stuck in mud and snow on Marsden Moor, near Huddersfield, over the weekend.

The estate, which was donated to the National Trust by the Radcliffe baronets in 1955, is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, part of a Special Protection Area and is home to rare species of moorland bird.

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Off-roading is banned on the moor because of the damage it causes to the terrain and the disturbance to wildlife.

Two of the illegally used vehicles were abandoned on a bridle pathTwo of the illegally used vehicles were abandoned on a bridle path
Two of the illegally used vehicles were abandoned on a bridle path

The 4x4s were being driven along the Stanedge Trail.

The National Trust said: "These vehicles have been abandoned on Marsden Moor after becoming stuck this weekend. They were driving along Standedge Trail. This is a bridle path, not for vehicles. Off-roading on Marsden Moor is illegal. This is a protected site, home to rare species and precious blanket bog.

"This incident has been reported the police. We have increased our weekend ranger patrols, but can't be everywhere at once. Please keep reporting illegal off-roaders on Marsden Moor to the police."

The northern part of Marsden Moor is part of the Peak District National Park.