Countryside scramblers irk countryside's ramblers

Curator of the Natural History Museum in Mdina, John Borg, talks about the damage done to the Maltese countryside by such activities.

“Scrambling has a negative impact on the geology of Malta if done on bare rocks. Aside from the more obvious tyre marks, which contribute only temporary damage to the rocks, more permanent damage is being done in the form of breaking of fossils and destruction of rocky outcrops.”

When scrambling occurs over soft terrain, environmental impact is intensified. Wildlife is affected through direct mortality, increased legal and illegal harvest, disturbance and habitat loss.

“Risk to wildlife depends on the time of year when scrambling is done. Species most at risk include insects, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals, however during spring time, low nesting birds are also at risk. Damage to vegetation is also of major concern.

Borg explains that the effect of the tyres is the same as continuous ploughing without allowing time for re-growth of plants. It is a continuous cycle that results in barren land.

“Off-roading, using large 4X4 vehicles, does twice the damage, not only in Mtahleb but in other areas around Malta and Gozo, particularly in the Ramla Bay area in Gozo. Rather than just damaging one track as the scramblers do they are damaging two tracks. Also the weight of the vehicle, being much heavier than a motorbike, causes deeper trenches and thus more damage.

“However it is not only scramblers and off-roaders that cause damage to the countryside. Even walkers are doing their fair share of damage, especially when they roam around without sticking to paths.

“That being said, the countryside is there to be enjoyed by everyone and cannot be preserved to the point where no person is allowed to use it. However, the countryside should be used responsibly by walkers who should stick to paths to minimise the damage done to habitats and vegetation.” 

Off-roading is regulated through the Motor Vehicles (Offroading) Regulations 1997 allowing the activity only in areas marked as off-roading sites, or where a group of people organise an off-road event, after applying for a permit. Any person found breaking this law is liable to a fine of between €20 to €200 for a first offence, and more for subsequent offences.

Peter Gingell, MEPA public relations officer says that general activities not within public thoroughfares require a permit and in the case that the site is a conservation area, notifications to MEPA are required to assess whether an activity requires a permit.

Though some areas of Mtahleb are considered Special Areas of Conservation under the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulation (2006), it is not immediately clear if the areas depicted in the photos fall under these protected areas.

“Offroading activities are a concern in that they have an impact on wildlife, and also increase the risks of erosion. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to control such activities, since these are often ad-hoc, and the culprits have to be caught red-handed – in the act of committing the crime,” Gingell said.

One scrambler, who spoke to this newspaper anonymously, said that though they are aware of the illegality of scrambling in areas they still go out with the bikes on a regular basis.

“We try to stick to paths that allow vehicle access and we always stay out of areas that are environmentally protected, like the areas around Riviera and Golden Sands. Unfortunately, protected areas are not always well marked and it is often difficult to judge which areas are protected and which ones aren’t.

“We are also very careful when passing through pathways that allow access to fields that we are not damaging any crops.

“Though we are aware that some damage is done it is a question of quantifying the damage. There are other activities that cause a lot more damage than the back tyre of a scrambler. Transport systems release a lot more emissions into the air than our lowly bikes, and if we are talking about habitat damage then why not take a good hard look at the tuna farms.

“We are as careful as we can be but some damage is inevitable. We try to stick to paths that have already been created, either as legal pathways or ones made by other offroaders usually involving 4X4 vehicles that have a larger wheel-base.