News Tree vandals destroy parts of ancient woodland habitat
Maidstone Borough Council is reminding people to respect its ancient woodlands after a spate of incidents in which trees have been chopped down and habitat piles dismantled and removed.
In some cases, chainsaws have been used to cut tree trunks and branches in some of Maidstone’s most precious natural habitats. Vehicles have also been driven across sensitive areas, churning up the ground and destroying plant life.
The issue is of particular concern at Upper Fullingpits Wood, a ‘Long Established Woodland’ and a known breeding site for stag beetle and habitat for the rare crimped gill fungus. As a protected species, stag beetles rely on dead and decaying wood during their long larval stage, making the preservation of these habitats vital for local wildlife. This highlights a wider issue, as deadwood is deliberately left in place across many of the borough’s parks and open spaces because it provides essential habitat for a wide range of species.
Around 13% of UK wildlife species rely on deadwood, making it a critical part of supporting biodiversity. The removal of this material is not only harmful to wildlife but can also damage protected habitats.
The council’s Parks and Open Spaces team is currently investigating the incidents and is urging people to respect these precious natural areas and the wildlife habitats they support. Where appropriate, incidents will be reported to Kent Police.
As part of the response, new signage will be introduced at affected sites to explain why deadwood is left in place and to remind visitors not to cut down trees or remove wood. It is believed that the standing and stacked timber is being removed as a source of free fuel for wood burners.
Councillor Clive English, Deputy Leader of Maidstone Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and enforcement said: “Deadwood may not look important, but it plays an important role in supporting wildlife, including iconic species such as stag beetles. Its removal can cause significant damage to local ecosystems.
“We are seeing an increase in unauthorised cutting and removal of wood from council land, which in some cases is causing harm to protected areas. We would ask residents to respect these spaces and leave any natural materials where they are.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or damage to council land to help protect their local green spaces for both people and wildlife.
To report an incident email parksandopenspaces@maidstone.gov.uk