ANCIENT woodland in Worcestershire has been damaged by gangs of youths who have carved a face on a tree and cut others down to make bike ramps during lockdown.

Michael Parker, who owns a third of Trench Wood, near Droitwich, shared these photographs of the damage which has been reported to West Mercia Police. The other two thirds of the land is owned by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, which is not aware of any vandalism at the present time.

Mr Parker said: “Gangs of youths on bikes have cut the wire to access the woodland near the Dunhampstead level crossing.

“They’ve cut down trees to build ramps and damaged old oak trees. The damage has been reported to the police, they’ve offered to increase patrols in the area but can’t do much else unless CCTV is available (which it isn’t because the area is woodland without power).”

He added: “I was very disappointed to see the damage to trees in the woodland and the amount of litter that was left behind. The area is ancient woodland, and will take years to recover. A large area of bluebells has also been destroyed.

“It’s particularly surprising that the damage has taken place during the COVID-19 lockdown. Any further damage will be reported to the police and any bike ramps will be removed.”

Those with information about the vandalism in the woodland can call West Mercia Police on 101.

This story first appeared in the Bromsgrove Advertiser.

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