Tree vandalism damages ancient woodland habitat in Maidstone

Ancient woodland habitat in Maidstone has been damaged after trees were cut down, habitat piles were taken apart and vehicles were driven across sensitive natural areas.

Maidstone Borough Council says there have been several incidents where tree trunks and branches have been cut, in some cases using chainsaws. Habitat piles, which are deliberately left in place to support insects, fungi and other wildlife, have also been dismantled and removed.

The damage is especially concerning at Upper Fullingpits Wood, which is classed as a Long Established Woodland. The site is known as a breeding place for stag beetles and is also home to the rare crimped gill fungus. Stag beetles spend years as larvae inside dead and decaying wood, so removing this material can destroy the very habitat they need to survive.

This is not just a case of “a few logs being taken”. Deadwood is part of a living woodland system. It feeds fungi, shelters insects, supports birds and small mammals, and helps the ground slowly renew itself. Once that habitat is cut up, driven over or removed, the damage cannot simply be put back the next day.

The council believes some of the timber may have been taken as free fuel for wood burners. But what might look like spare wood to one person may actually be home, food or shelter for wildlife.

Around 13% of UK wildlife species rely on deadwood, which shows why these areas need to be protected and understood. In many parks, woods and open spaces, deadwood is left intentionally. It is not neglect. It is habitat.

The council’s Parks and Open Spaces team is investigating the incidents and says cases may be reported to Kent Police where appropriate. New signs will also 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.

This kind of damage is a disaster for local nature because ancient woodland is not something that can be quickly replaced. These spaces take generations to form. They are part of what we leave behind for our children and grandchildren, and protecting them requires more than signs. It also needs better education, more public attention and a stronger understanding of why even fallen branches and decaying wood matter.

Residents are being asked to report suspicious activity or damage on council land to help protect green spaces for both people and wildlife.

Incidents can be reported to Maidstone Borough Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team by emailing parksandopenspaces@maidstone.gov.uk.

Source: Maidstone Borough Council.