Liverpool man banned after TikTok off-roading videos

Joseph Hodgson, 23, was handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) preventing him from entering the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which includes land around Moel Fferna near Pistyll Rhaeadr.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said Hodgson was one of a group of drivers who travelled from Liverpool to the protected site in seven 4x4 vehicles before driving across sensitive peat and blanket bog habitats.

Investigators later used TikTok videos and images linked to the group to help identify those involved and place them at the scene.

TikTok footage showed damage being caused

NRW said Hodgson failed to co-operate with its investigation and did not attend an interview with officers.

He told investigators he had sold his vehicle, but NRW later identified him as one of the people posting videos on TikTok.

The social media footage showed the group driving across the protected landscape and causing damage to the habitat, according to NRW.

Investigators said the videos showed deep tyre tracks being left in the blanket bog, while two vehicles, including one belonging to Hodgson, became stuck.

The footage also showed the stranded vehicles being towed free by other members of the group, causing further damage to the protected site.

Hodgson was found guilty of criminal damage in his absence after failing to attend an earlier court hearing.

Convoy drove more than 3km across protected land

The incident happened on June 1, 2025, when seven vehicles travelled in convoy from Liverpool to the Berwyn SSSI in south Denbighshire.

NRW said the vehicles drove more than 3km across privately owned land to reach the summit of Moel Fferna, close to the famous Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall and the Powys border.

The organisation said the vehicles entered areas where access was not permitted and left visible damage to peatland and blanket bog habitats, which are protected because of their rarity and environmental importance.

Officers later traced the vehicles involved to their registered keepers.

Driver ordered to pay more than £2,000

At Wrexham Magistrates' Court, Hodgson was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation for damaging the SSSI and £1,000 in costs.

He was also ordered to pay a £50 criminal damage penalty and a further £30 compensation payment.

NRW said the offences were committed while Hodgson was already subject to a community order for similar countryside-related offences.

Two other Liverpool men, John Robinson and Michael Williams, were convicted at an earlier hearing in August. Both were fined and disqualified from driving for two months.

'Water balance can be altered for years'

Kirsty Roberts, speaking on behalf of NRW, said the damage highlighted the impact illegal off-roading can have on fragile environments.

She said: "Sites of Special Scientific Interest are designated and protected because they support the UK's most important rare and fragile wildlife.

"Blanket bog is particularly sensitive. Once it is cut up by deep ruts, the water balance can be altered for years, degrading habitat and reducing carbon storage.

"Illegal off-roading also impacts farmers and landowners who manage these privately owned working landscapes, disrupting farming operations, increasing costs, and undermining long-term conservation efforts."

She added: "We take action where protected sites are damaged, and we urge everyone using the countryside to follow signs, stick to lawful routes, and help safeguard these nationally important places."

Public urged to report illegal off-roading

NRW said unauthorised vehicle use that causes damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Anyone who witnesses illegal off-roading in the countryside or on protected sites is urged to report it to police on 101 or to Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000.