MOUNTAIN bikers who destroy protected wildlife habitats in Scotland will be fined up to £40,000 under a new law that comes into force tomorrow.

The penalties, which are designed to safeguard sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), follow mounting concern at damage caused by off-road cyclists.

Scotland has become a mecca for mountain bikers, who are drawn to the hundreds of trails across the country, many of which are in nature reserves and national parks. But each year swathes of protected land are being damaged by thrill-seekers who stray from the trails deliberately — damaging wildlife habitats and rare plant species.

Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, the maximum fine for damaging a SSSI will rise from £5,000 to £40,000.

There are 1,451 SSSI in Scotland, covering about 1m hectares, 12.5% of the country. It is estimated that just under half of Scotland’s SSSI are in a poor condition or are deteriorating.

Areas under threat from biking enthusiasts include the Beinn Eighe nature reserve, in Wester Ross, and Dunnet Forest, in Caithness, which covers 256 acres and is dominated by sitka spruce, lodgepole and mountain pine.

The new law also will clamp down on quad bikers, who ride at Culbin Sands, on the Moray Firth. One of the largest shingle and sand dune bars in Britain, it is home to large numbers of sea ducks and bar-tailed godwits. Its remote location means bikers are less likely to be caught.

Mountain and quad biking are part of the extreme sports craze, which is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourist industry. This year Scotland hosted the mountain bike world cup for the third year in succession.

Companies offering extreme sport breaks are enjoying record bookings, with many reporting a 200% rise on last year. More than 700,000 visitors to Scotland this year are expected to have taken part in some form of adventure activity.

However, Lewis Macdonald, the deputy minister for environment and rural development, said the activities had to be balanced with the need to protect the environment. “The Scottish executive is committed to promoting biodiversity and protecting the environment. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act provides a robust system for safeguarding Scotland’s most special places. We recognise that successful conservation means balancing the needs of people and places. This legislation encourages positive management of our protected areas.”

Sarah Roe, of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), added: “This is a very important turning point for nature conservation in Scotland. The act makes third parties responsible for their activities, which could damage SSSI, whereas in the past it was only the land manager who had a responsibility to look after the site.”

Outdoor sports enthusiasts are not alone in causing damage to the environment. One site in Lanarkshire, for example, has been affected by “excessive” fossil collecting.

Parts of Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park which enjoy SSSI protection — particularly the foreshores and islands — have been blighted by outdoor parties.

Under the new legislation those found guilty of deliberately sabotaging a SSSI for financial gain — such as property developers — will face an unlimited fine.

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