2 January 2026
The North York Moors National Park Authority is responding to recent reports of unauthorised activity on the Levisham Estate, a protected and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Recent reports from common graziers and community members raise concerns about illegal off-roading, after 4x4 vehicles were seen leaving established routes, entering sensitive areas and posing risks to livestock, boundary structures (such as stone walls), historic features and archaeology.
Illegal off-roading is any activity which involves driving a motor vehicle off a designated road without permission from the landowner. This includes driving on non-vehicular rights of way such as footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways, or driving on vehicular routes that are legally closed to motor vehicles. Illegal off-roading is different from the responsible use of unsurfaced unclassified roads (UURs) and byways open to all traffic (BOATs), sometimes referred to as ‘green laning’.
A spokesperson for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“Levisham Estate is a living, working landscape, carefully managed for farming, conservation and public enjoyment, not an area for unrestricted vehicle use. Such behaviour can cause lasting damage to habitats and the historic landscape, not to mention risking the safety of people and the welfare of livestock and wildlife.”
The National Park Authority reminds all users that unapproved access to the Levisham Estate may, in certain circumstances, be a criminal matter rather than the usual civil issue associated with trespass. This is because the Estate is a designated site, and any damage caused may amount to a criminal offence under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
The National Park Authority is also aware of concerns relating to trail hunting activities on Levisham Estate. In 2022, a decision was taken to end permissions for such activities; consequently, any trail hunting taking place on the Estate is unauthorised.
The spokesperson continued:
“We are working with partner organisations and land managers to monitor the situation and will support appropriate enforcement action where necessary. Members of the public are urged use rights of way responsibly and report any suspected illegal activity to the police.”
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.