One would think that with several footpaths and rides on our nature reserve there would be no need to make any more. But some vandal has cut one - with a chain saw, we think. The wood is open to all - and their dogs - so why?

I am as cross as hell, because the culprit has trespassed on a quiet area of land which has been earmarked as an experiment to see what develops in the fullness of time. This compares with much of the rest of the wood which is being worked. So we hoped that a quiet area might encourage a little more wildlife.

I suppose somebody assumed that the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill was now an Act and jumped the gun for the "right to roam". But I can tell this vandal that nature reserves are to be given greater protection through the Act. It is sheer ignorance to take a chain saw to a nature reserve. And although it may look like a tatty tangle of brambles and fallen trees, some animal , bird or insect lives in it, and it has been planned and managed.

It is frustrating that I do not know who the culprit is, although I have two or three thoughts about why the wrecking took place. However, he - or she - may rest assured that we have stepped up the number of visits to the wood.

Just how stupid can people be! I am usually a friendly and relaxed person, but such downright transgression makes me really angry...

On a happier note, our ride-widening efforts have continued slowly but surely between the rainy days and the showers. We had to stop briefly for a couple of mornings to maintain the "causeway" - which is our term for a log path through a boggy patch of ground. Several springs rise close to the reserve. This is one of these. It is just a dribble throughout the year - hence the need for the causeway.

John Hall © 2000