A NEW project is aiming to stop illegal off-roading by showing teenagers the damage motorbikes can cause to the countryside.

The Treads project promotes responsible and safe driving, and targets teenagers in South Wales who have been in trouble with the police or identified as having potential to cause trouble.

It is a partnership between Forestry Commission Wales, Gwent Police and Caerphilly Council youth services, and teaches 14 to 19 year olds to appreciate their environment.

Culprits can be fined and have their machines seized, and the Treads project is an innovative way of showing off-roaders the error of their ways.

As well as teaching responsible off-roading, it shows the damage caused to livestock and farmers’ livelihoods by ripping down and cutting fences, destroying vegetation, ruining footpaths and creating noise disturbance.

Participants are also taught new skills such as drystone walling, first aid and tree-felling and the history of places such as Twmbarlwm.

Each Treads course last 12 weeks with participants attending one session a week If youngsters complete the programme, they can visit the Yamaha Off-road Experience in Llanidloes to try proper off-roading with 10 times British enduro champion Geraint Jones.