POLICE recovered a rake and a shovel from a group of youths causing damage to heathland in Christchurch.

Eight bikers were also spoken to in a no cycling part of St Catherine’s Hill during a busy shift for officers on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Christchurch Police said: “We managed to recover the shovel and rake from a group of youths causing damage to the heathland.

“This area is a site of special scientific interest and has protection and conservation orders.

“Some mountain bikers continue to destroy this Heathland which is in the ‘no cycling' area of St Catherine's Hill.

“We managed to speak to eight bikers in under an hour to redirect them. We will continue to work together to prevent further damage.”