This article appears in today's Grauniad (Guardian) G2 section. ...increasingly bitter war between off - roaders and environmentalists..... There is a picture of a rutted track but whether this damage has been caused by farmers going about their business or whether by anti social off - roaders we are not told. There is a lot of talk about green laning and Lara is mentioned. It is slanted in favour of the walkers of course but there is some mention of the other side of the argument. I have an idea that the Guardian allows a right of reply if someone feels they have been misrepresented but that may only apply to individuals.
I think it is a very balanced piece considering it is in the Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/mar/06/ethicalliving.pollution?gusrc=rss&feed=environment The one thing it doesn't state clearly is that any 'damage' caused by over-use of 'green lanes' is a completely predictable consequence of massively reducing the number of 'green lanes' legally open to vehicular traffic. Noise is also clearly an aggravating issue... Ironic that the Ramblers, an organisation formed to campaign for greater access to the countryside and which has its roots in an illegal mass trespass of Kinder Scout, is now so dedicated to restricting the rights of other countryside users. More than anything this article perhaps emphasizes the fact that the trials world needs to tread lightly and win friends in local communities to survive in the long term.
ReplyDeleteIan is right - this is a very balanced piece of reporting but does highlight the conflicts which exist in certain parts of the country. Andrew
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