Pockley Moor green lane before restoration
Traffic has been banned from a national park green lane that had been made almost impassable after off-road vehicles churned it up.
The route, at Pockley Moor in the North York Moors was marred by ruts several feet deep and vehicle tracks spreading across the moorland and further damaging the surrounding flora and fauna. Now, a temporary closure order has been made permanent, to allow the terrain to recover and aid walkers and cyclists to navigate the lane.
Rare flowers and plants were also being destroyed by the motor vehicles on the moor, which is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. A permanent Traffic Regulation Order comes into force today, Monday.
The national park authority has levelled the gullies and drained the boggiest areas to enable the moorland to regenerate. The successful work will continue now bikers and 4×4 drivers have been excluded from the route.
Richard Gunton, the National Park Authority’s Director of Recreation and Park Management, said: “Pockley Moor is a beautiful open area with fantastic views across the North York Moors.
The restored route, across which motor traffic is now banned
“It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area due in part to the fact that golden plover and merlin nest there. The proximity of these nests to the green lane and the fact that it was becoming unusable for the vast majority of people led to the decision to impose a permanent Traffic Regulation Order.
“Work carried out so far has made a huge difference and will mean that lots of people will now be able to enjoy this scenic route without having to constantly watch where they’re putting their feet.”
National park authorities were given the power to introduce TROs in their areas two years ago. Previously, only highway authorities could act. The North York Moors authority is currently looking at other green lanes in its area to see what measures are needed to protect them.
Pockley Moor lies 10km (6 miles) north of Helmsley, on the southern edge of the national park.
