An HISTORIC site in Chirk is urging those who enjoy mountain-biking to refrain from digging new tracks in its grounds.

Chirk Castle is discouraging bikers from carving out new tracks in the grounds of the National Trust site to minimise the risk of damage being done to the area.

Staff at the castle posted a picture on its Facebook page of the tracks which have previously been dug out, including parts holding rain water.

Parts of the woodland near to Chirk Railway Station and the nearby canal have previously been used by cyclists exploring the area.

A spokesman for the castle urged cyclists to be mindful of the impact the tracks have on the woodland.

They said: “Mountain biking and BMX is a great way to get active and explore the outdoor places we look after but we are urging cyclists to minimise their impact on the natural environment in areas of historic woodland near Chirk railway station and the canal.

“We know that this woodland has been popular with cyclists for years, but extensive digging of new trails has resulted in damage to tree roots within an area of our historic woodland.

“Please keep to existing routes and follow the Countryside Code so that everyone can keep enjoying it.”

Parts of the castle grounds are now open, but the castle remains closed because of the ongoing Covid-19 situation.