Untaxed and uninsured motorcycles, as well as 4x4s, which drive off-track, have been identified as causing particular problems to sensitive rural areas.

North Wales Police approached the Countryside and Recreational Access Group (CRAG) earlier this year to provide spotters and transport for 'Operation Udder, which is aimed at tackling the problem.

CRAG is an organisation made up of volunteers who seek to keep rights of way open and usable for all who use them.

With Christmas approaching and off-road vehicles and motorcycles as likely presents, the police, CRAG and Denbighshire Council have vowed to crack down hard on illegal abuse of the countryside by motorised enthusiasts.

CRAG spokesman Dave Rogers said: "With routes being published on the web and more 4x4s and motorcycles being used on our rights of way each year, there is a need to upgrade, repair and maintain those rights of way which might otherwise be damaged through overuse or wilful trespass.

"Trial bikes or motocross bikes are being used to damage areas not legally accessible by any motor vehicle except with the landowners' permission."

Police say that due to the remote nature of the location of the offenders, it is often difficult to track them or maintain contact which gives insufficient time to apprehend them.

Mr Rogers said: "There are also a minority of drivers who insist on taking often highly modified vehicles into places not designated as rights of way.

"This problem is often seen on historic and sustainable routes such as the wayfarer which runs between Llanarmon DC and Llandrillo.

"On the top of the wayfarer there is a large bog hole, some drive through in ignorance, seeing it as an opportunity to test their vehicle and get it a little muddy, others drive through it and also into other areas just because they can.

"Such drivers care little about the future of our rights of way and selfishly seek their own enjoyment through damaging our countryside."

In order to combat this problem, a number of days have been organised across the region, where covert spotters will be used to view known problem areas.

The teams will be equipped with radios, phones and cameras to record the offences of those who commit them with direct access to police support.

The police helicopter will also be available to direct ground teams toward offenders.

Denbighshire Council has details of where road registered bikes and 4x4s can be used legally by licence holders, and using a motorised vehicle anywhere other than these roads is an offence under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).

Any damage is classed as criminal damage and can result in a large fine.

The consequences of illegal use can be the seizure and destruction of vehicles, prosecution for a variety of offences (including dangerous or careless driving, driving without a licence, without insurance, or MOT), and possible disqualification from driving and fines.

Cllr David Thomas, cabinet lead member for regeneration, which includes countryside and the Clwydian Range area of natural beauty, said: "One of the most visible areas of damage caused by illegal trespass is on the Llantysilio Mountains where there is an erosion scar along the ridge, 'figure of eight' circuits in the heather which can be seen for miles, and deep tracks running through the scheduled ancient monument of Moel y Gaer, an Iron Age Hillfort where archaeology is in danger of being lost forever.

"We need people's help to try to resolve this problem," he added.
In 2007 the police received 97 reported incidents of off-road vehicle trespass in the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains which resulted in official warnings, fines for offenders and the seizure of motorcycles.

Denbighshire Countryside Service can be contacted at Loggerheads Country Park, Monday to Friday, on 01352 810614, to pass on any vehicle registration details, which will then be passed to North Wales Police.