Vandals cause £20,000 of damage destroying 10 trees and damaging 17 others in Derbyshire wood - just to make a den
Scores of trees in Grin Low Woods have been destroyed, damaged and graffitied by mindless vandals who wanted to make a den.
Buxton Civic Association, an environmental and heritage charity in Buxton, responsible for the conservation of over 160-acres of mature woodland, says the police are now involved in the incident.
The team were alerted that a den has been built in BCA’s Grin Low Wood in Buxton Country Park.
On inspection by the woodland team it appears that 10 of the yew trees have been cut down and 17 other trees damaged to build and decorate/thatch this den.
Dave Green, CEO for BCA said: “As a charity, we work tirelessly to protect the natural and built heritage of Buxton, particularly our ten woodlands.
“We are deeply saddened that this incident has occurred.
“While it is impossible to place a true value on nature or the impact on our woodland, some of the scale of the loss can be illustrated in financial terms: for example if we were to look at replacing the 10 yew trees destroyed (like for like) it would cost in the region of £20,000.
“Regrettably, due to the extent of the damage, we have had to report this matter to the police. If anyone has any information about this crime, we urge you to contact the police directly.”
Buxton Civic Association say they absolutely encourage people, especially children and families, to enjoy the woods.
Exploring nature, building memories outdoors, and spending time in green spaces are all wonderful activities that they fully support.
However, cutting down trees - particularly established species like yew - causes lasting damage to the woodland environment.
Yew trees are slow-growing, long-living evergreen native species that provide important year round habitat for wildlife and contribute significantly to the character and biodiversity of our woods.
Once removed, they cannot simply be replaced overnight; it can take decades for woodlands to recover.
As a charity, BCA works to manage and maintain the town’s green spaces for the whole community, and with that comes a shared responsibility to care for them.
Now they are reminding people to not cut or damage trees and vegetation and use fallen branches and natural (fallen) materials where possible if making a den.
They have reminded the community they must ‘leave no trace when enjoying the woods, respect our wildlife habitats and report any activity that appears to be damaging to our woodlands’.
A spokesperson added: “It’s not about stopping people from enjoying the woods - it’s about ensuring they remain healthy, beautiful, and safe for everyone, now and in the future.
“Let’s work together to protect the natural spaces that make our community so special.”