Visitors to an ancient woodland in Derby are heartbroken after discovering vandals have chopped down and damaged dozens of old trees with saws.
Upset volunteers at the Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve say “youths” have significantly cut around 30 trees in order to build dens and hiding spots.
Many of the trees have been seen lying flat on the ground in recent days.
The volunteers claim the damage is so extensive that some old trees may not survive and others could take decades to grow back. There are also deep concerns about the impact on wildlife.
Derbyshire Police and Derby City Council are investigating, it has been confirmed.
The “magical” woodland, said to have been in existence since the 1600s, is owned by the city council but managed by the Friends of Chaddesden Wood committee.
The scenic nature reserve, situated in Oakwood, is hugely popular with visitors and dog walkers.
But visitors have been in “tears” after seeing the trees in ruins, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has been told.
Volunteers say the future of the woodland could be in jeopardy if more trees within it are damaged.
Several volunteers – including children – were out in force on Friday morning (10 April), breaking down a den so the woodland area could be restored as much as possible.
Keith Tomlin, a member of the Friends of Chaddesden Wood committee, told how he was devastated to see the woodland attacked.
He said: “We are dismantling a den which has been created by some 16-year-old youths.
“They have cut down trees all around here to make these dens. They have debarked two oak trees, one of which we don’t think will survive.
“The damage they have done is illegal.
“Some of these trees are 20 years old. The oak tree they have debarked could be 100 years old or more.”
Tim Lye, treasurer of the Friends of Chaddesden Wood committee, said: “Bigger trees have been cut down to make these dens. By having dens in the wood, it encourages anti-social behaviour.
“I understand young people enjoy being in the woods and it gives a sense of adventure. However, this is first and foremost a nature reserve. The damage and disruption to the wood and wildlife can’t go on.
“Without any doubt, it is environmental and criminal damage. This area will take a decade or more to recover.”
Derby City Council leaders are urging visitors to respect the nature reserve and its surroundings while investigating the damage.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for Parks and Leisure, said: “Currently, we have confirmed that several small trees and areas of vegetation have been cut down or damaged in one section of the woods.
“We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and will work with the police to determine if criminal offences have occurred.”
Councillor Onuoha added: “We ask all visitors to treat this ancient habitat with respect so that our volunteers can continue their vital work in protecting it for everyone in Derby.”
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing and officers would be keen to hear from anyone with any information about who may be responsible. Please contact the force with reference 483-050426.”
Last year, dozens of people staged protests to save the woodland following plans to build homes next to it – which were later refused.
