FEARS that wilful destruction had been caused to an area within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Montgomeryshire by bulldozers have been quelled by authorities.

Renowned Welsh nature observer and television presenter Iolo Williams tweeted pictures of damage caused to a track at Cwm Rhaiadr in the Dyfi Valley, near Machynlleth, last month. It was feared that the blatant damage had occurred within an SSSI area but Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed the location lies outside the protected boundary.

“This track was bulldozed up the stunning Cwm Rhaiadr during lockdown, without consent. @NatResWales, I really hope you’re not ignoring yet another case of wilful habitat destruction?!,” tweeted 58-year-old Mr Williams, who last year became a regular presenter on Winterwatch, Springwatch and Autumnwatch on BBC Two.

It was unclear what had been used to damage the land, though it looks like it would have to have been some form of heavy plant machinery; or why – with some reports suggesting it was for off-road vehicles or even a pheasant shoot.

NRW responded to Mr Williams’ tweet on September 24, saying: “Hello Iolo. The local team has been out to investigate.

“The tracks in these photos are outside the SSSI boundary, but they may need planning permission, and Powys County Council is investigating. We will continue our inspections to make sure there's no building on the SSSI.

“We did note that pheasants released outside the SSSI were on the site as well as some feeders. We've advised that these need to be removed. Whilst releasing pheasants outside an SSSI does not require our consent, we want to ensure there's no damage to this important site.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council added: “We have had a complaint about unauthorised work near Cwm Rhaiadr, Machynlleth, and are investigating.”