Wildlife trust 'frustrated' at Burton Riggs antisocial behaviour

A wildlife charity has said it was "working with the community and police" after complaints were made about antisocial behaviour at one of its nature reserves.

People living near the Burton Riggs reserve in Scarborough said they had seen visitors riding motorbikes, illegally camping and littering at the site.

Local resident Michael Thompson said he had witnessed "misbehaviour" at the reserve and that so far the problems remained "unresolved".

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT), which manages the site, called the behaviour "frustrating" and said it was working with partners to resolve the issues which it said were caused by a "small" minority.

Mr Thompson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he had "frequently" complained about "illegal camping, boats on the lakes, use of motorcycles, and adult cyclists".

"A neighbour who exercises her dogs there pointed out to me that there were no toilets and soiling was taking place, which was spotted by her dogs," he said.

"This lack of provision must affect those who stay in the park for long periods for fishing, if fishing is even allowed."

More than 100 reserves across Yorkshire are managed by YWT, most of which are remote with few facilities.

The trust said because facilities such as toilets needed daily monitoring, opening and maintaining them would "not be possible or practical" at many of its sites.

Jono Leadley, regional manager for YWT, said: "Visitors to our Burton Riggs nature reserve should be able to quietly enjoy the wildlife and unwind in its pretty surroundings.

"But this is also a well-used and appreciated community green space that naturally comes with some challenges."

It was frustrating that "precious time" was taken up responding to antisocial behaviour by a "small group of people", Mr Leadley said.

"We are working with the community and the police to manage, repair and reduce the impact and wildlife disturbance."

The charity said it depended on volunteers to help care for its reserves and it encouraged people in the local community to get more involved.

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