Dedicated conservationists are celebrating the end of a two-year campaign to stop cars and motorbikes from ruining a historic woodland track.

Over the years the steep and rocky track through Calverley woods has been used by motorbikes and 4x4s, putting both wildlife and walkers at risk, say campaigners. They have been lobbying to get rid of The Cutting's byway status which meant it could legally be used by "all traffic".

Leeds City Council has now registered it as a bridleway and footpath, banishing traffic, much to the relief of the Friends of Calverley Woods group which won a £25,000 National Lottery grant two years ago to protect the ancient wood which is listed as valuable by English Nature.

Group spokesman Sarah Clowes said: "People will finally be able to walk along and enjoy The Cutting in peace and quiet without worrying about motorbikes and cars flying at them.

"We are overjoyed that all our campaigning and hard work has finally paid off."

The Cutting, which runs from Carr Road in Calverley through the woods down to Harrogate Road at Apperley Bridge, runs close to a guarded sacred cup and ring stone which was unearthed by archaeologists surveying the woods last year.

Miss Clowes said: "We have lots of treasures in the woods that we want to protect, from its trees to wildlife and to the cup and ring stone. Lots of our concerns were because of the way the Cutting was being endlessly abused by a minority of people - especially those on motorbikes and 4x4 drivers.

"As well as the damage, we were also getting people driving up and fly tipping, even dumping and burning out cars.

"We've got lots of wildlife in the woods, including deer who were being scared off. Big sections of the dry stone wall were also being stolen as fast as we were trying to repair it. Hopefully the new traffic order will put an end to all of this."

Since the conservation group was launched in 2003 its members have been busy planting trees, repairing fences, gates and dry stone walls.

The group has also funded an archaeological survey and has put on a series of guided walks.

l This Easter, two days of fun workshops are lined up for childred. Activities include collecting nettles to make nettle soup, weaving willow, making dens and identifying and collecting woodland specimens.

Anyone interested in finding out more should telephone Sarah Clowes on 07790 605878.