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Statement from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) Re: The

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Statement from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) Re: The May 2017 Statement from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) re: the illegal tree-house structure on Wildmoor Heath nature reserve. Wildmoor Heath is one of the most important areas for wildlife in Berkshire. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive. Wildmoor Heath is also a great place for people to visit to explore, walk their dogs and watch wildlife. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) owns part of Wildmoor Heath, the remainder is owned by Bracknell Forest Council. As owner, BBOWT has responsibility (under the Occupier's Liability Act (1957, Revised 1984)) for the safety of all visitors to the area, and works hard to ensure that natural and man-made hazards are minimised. In the winter of 2016/17 BBOWT became aware of a structure that had been built in the woods, known locally as Thibet Woods, at Wildmoor. The structure consisted of raised platforms, walkways, ladders and play equipment. It had been built using timber cut or collected from the site as well as materials brought in. It was clear that the structure was being used as play equipment by children and their families. It had also attracted undesirable use, such as alcohol consumption and bonfires. An assessment of the structure was undertaken by BBOWT staff and it was deemed unsafe and undesirable on the following grounds: The structure did not meet regulations or guidance determining safe playground design. There was no process in place for its regular inspection. The materials used were unsafe: dead and rotting wood, protruding nails and string. It attracted undesirable activities e.g. alcohol consumption and bonfires. It is at the edge of a nature reserve and therefore not an appropriate location for a structure of this size. The structure may require planning permission. BBOWT would not be insured if a claim for injury were made. BBOWT recognises the importance of allowing young people to explore and play in the countryside, but a built structure of considerable height like this is not appropriate. BBOWT therefore decided to remove the structure in March 2017. Notices were placed on the structure to inform those responsible for its construction. This led to an online petition and Facebook campaign set up by those responsible for its construction. The structure was dismantled by BBOWT staff in March 2017. The staff were verbally abused, threatened by members of the public and their vehicle was vandalised. Statements were given to Thames Valley Police. Most of the materials were left on site to allow children to create their own dens, and because BBOWT staff felt threatened and wanted to reduce their time spent on site. Since then, the structure has been rebuilt using these materials. People, including BBOWT wardens and volunteers, and staff from the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership who have approached the site, have suffered threatening verbal abuse, and the area is considered a no-go area for staff and other legitimate site users. This situation is unacceptable and cannot continue. BBOWT will dismantle the structure and dispose of the materials off site. Because of the potential for threatening behaviour, BBOWT will inform Thames Valley Police before this work is carried out and external security personnel will be present. May 2017 .
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