BOSSES at the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are appealing for the responsible use of a by-way to reduce the risk of disturbance to rare and protected wildlife.

The ‘Hornby Road’ is a restricted by-way linking Slaidburn with Hornby which crosses miles of wildlife-rich moorland.

But legally it can only used by pedestrians, horse-riders and cyclists as well as having a special designation allowing use by two wheeled motorised vehicles.

Elliott Lorimer, principal officer for the AONB, however said during the past couple of years there had been a significant increase in the number of motorcyclists abusing the right of access with bikes as they have been leaving the road and entering private moorland.

He said: “The Bowland fells are renowned for their rare and precious birds and habitats. The Hornby Road allows its users to experience the remote heart of the AONB.

“However it is critically important that they respect the area.”

The road, also known as Salter’s Way, overlays a Roman road in parts. The packhorse route, one of the finest over moorland in the country, was used for the transport of salt from Morecambe Bay to farms in the Ribble Valley.

Jude Lane of the RSPB said: “The Forest of Bowland has always been the stronghold for breeding hen harriers in England, but it is also home to other important species such as peregrines and merlins.

“Many smaller, more elusive birds also breed here such as ring ouzels and whinchats both of which are experiencing dramatic population declines for reasons we don’t yet understand.

“Disturbance from motorbikes leaving the road can have a huge impact on whether these birds are able to raise young successfully.”