Frodsham Town Council has become aware of significant and deeply concerning damage caused within an area of ancient woodland.
A substantial amount of unauthorised excavation and clearance has taken place. This includes the creation and significant alteration of paths through the woodland, the excavation of large peaks and troughs approximately four feet high and deep, and what appears to be an attempt to construct a jump across the stream.
Many square metres of woodland floor have been cleared of vegetation. This has resulted in the removal and disturbance of ancient woodland indicator plants, mosses, ferns, lichens and other woodland flora.
This is not simply damage to a footpath.
Ancient woodland is an irreplaceable habitat. Its value lies not only in its trees and visible vegetation but also in its undisturbed soils, which can contain ancient seed banks and support complex communities of fungi, microorganisms and invertebrates essential to the functioning of the woodland ecosystem.
The scale of the excavation and disturbance means that potentially significant damage has been caused to the woodland floor and its associated habitat.
This area of ancient woodland is maintained and cared for by a dedicated and willing group of local volunteers, who give their time freely to help protect and preserve the woodland for the benefit of the environment and the wider community. To see their efforts undermined by deliberate and unauthorised excavation, vegetation clearance and the construction of tracks and jumps is completely unacceptable.
There are established facilities and bike tracks available within the vicinity of Frodsham for those wishing to take part in this type of activity. Ancient woodland is not an appropriate place to create bike tracks, jumps or new trails.
Ancient woodland and the species and habitats it supports may be protected through a range of environmental, wildlife, forestry and planning legislation. Unauthorised works of this nature are therefore being treated extremely seriously.
The matter has been reported to Cheshire Police via 101 under crime reference 2417386 and has been referred to the Rural Crime Team for consideration and investigation.
We are asking anyone responsible for this activity to stop immediately. Please do not dig, excavate, clear vegetation, construct jumps or create or alter paths within the woodland.
Anyone who has witnessed this activity, knows who may be responsible, or has any other information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police via 101, quoting crime reference 2417386.
Frodsham Town Council will continue to work with the volunteer group and relevant organisations to protect this important area.
Please respect our ancient woodland. Once these habitats are damaged, they cannot simply be replaced.
