Off-road motorcyclists are damaging environmentally-sensitive areas.

They have been riding illegally at Slieau Dhoo near Kirk Michael in recent weeks.

The government says they have caused extensive damage to precious peat land.

Manx byelaws ban the use of vehicles on government land without prior permission and anyone caught illegally driving or riding on it faces prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’The irresponsible and illegal access has caused major damage to important upland. It has clearly been caused by off-road motorbikes using the area as a playground.’

The importance of protecting and restoring such land is a priority of the department as upland peat soils are the island’s largest carbon store.

The deep rutting caused by off-road riders illegally using such sites causes the peat to dry and release stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Damage to the slow growing upland vegetation will also lead to erosion and the further loss of stored carbon.

Mr Boot added: ’It is very disappointing that despite the best efforts of our staff to protect our precious upland estate, a minority of motorcyclists continue to show scant regard for our environment when this government continues to support sustainable recreational use of the estate.’

Last year, the government sanctioned 32 motorcycle events on government-owned plantations and quarries and many more are planned for 2020.

Mr Boot said the department would continue to work with the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) and the police to address the issue.

Constable Claire Sproule-Craine, the wildlife crime officer, said: ’We are lucky in the Isle of Man to have green lanes and greenways for the public to enjoy and use respectfully.

’It is unfortunate that a minority of motorcyclists choose to disregard these facilities and use motorbikes in places of importance to our wildlife and vegetation. This damage is detrimental to our environment and I cannot stress how important it is to adhere to rules set in place to protect these areas.

’Moving forward we will work closely with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to police our green lanes and ensure that the public are using these in a legal and safe manner and not straying on to areas which are prohibited to vehicle use.’