Environment & Climate

Men convicted of damaging protected Welsh site after sharing TikTok videos

The group used off-road vehicles on the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest, causing long-term damage to rare peat and blanket bog habitats.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 16:39 UTC1 reports

The short version

Three men have been convicted in connection with driving a convoy of off-road vehicles through a protected conservation site in Denbighshire, Wales.
The defendants were identified after posting videos of their June 2025 excursion on TikTok, which showed them damaging fragile habitats and towing stuck vehicles.
Two men were fined and received short driving bans, while a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a third man who failed to appear in court.

Seven 4x4 vehicles travelled from Liverpool to the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on June 1, 2025.[BBC News]
The group cut a gate lock with bolt croppers and tore down signs to drive across private land to the Moel Fferna peak.[BBC News]
The off-road vehicles caused deep ruts and long-term hydrological damage in rare peat and blanket bog habitats that host breeding birds like black grouse and curlew.[BBC News]
Natural Resources Wales classified the destruction as a Category 2 impact, representing significant harm that limits natural recovery.[BBC News]
John Robinson and Michael Williams pleaded guilty to criminal damage, with each receiving a fine of over £2,000 and a two-month driving disqualification.[BBC News]
Joseph Hodgson was found guilty in his absence, prompting Wrexham Magistrates' Court to issue a warrant for his arrest and sentencing.[BBC News]