A POLICE operation has taken place aiming to tackle illegal and anti-social off-road biking in Monmouthshire.

Gwent Police recently joined forces with Natural Resource Wales and Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) for ‘Operation Woodland’.

The purpose of this was to enable the police to engage with, and educate, illegal off-road bikers and to encourage them to ride responsibly and legally.

Officers and partners carried out two action days during the first phase of the operation. The first action day took place around Trellech and the Wye Valley at the beginning of October, with a second action day targeting Blorenge Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Crucorney Valley. 

As a result, 15 off-road bikers were located and spoken to by officers and TRF.

Operation Woodland lead, PC Chris Butt, said: “This was an innovative and new approach to try and locate and engage with off road bikers and I am extremely pleased with the response we had from the bikers whom we spoke to, and members of the public who we spoke to during the operation. I would like to thank all of the TRF members and  Natural Resources Wales who worked with us in the first two phases of Op Woodland.

“This will be an ongoing initiative to try and reduce the problem of illegal and anti-social off road biking, something that is a big concern to many rural residents. 

“I understand the frustration that bikers feel about the perceived lack of places for them to legally enjoy off-roading, however, this is no excuse to break the law. 

“Going forward, we will be working with our partners and the local authority to identify and sign post areas where bikers can ride legally.”

Anyone who would like to join the TRF, or find out more about what they do, can visit www.trf.org.uk