Some woodlands attract unsocial or criminal behaviour, including dumping of household and garden rubbish, cars and other items. Drug taking and other criminal behaviour may occur in certain locations. Many people will have a fear of being attacked. Such problems tend to escalate, as bad behaviour attracts more, and legitimate users are discouraged from using the woodland, so leaving it further open to abuse. Local householders may suffer associated problems such as vandalism or nuisance.
The problems are likely to need tackling by various local agencies and groups working in agreement with the owner of the land.
Clearance of litter and rubbish
Clearing up all signs of neglect and making an area looked cared for is the first step in discouraging further dumping of rubbish and other antisocial behaviour. Enlist support from local groups if possible to help with tidying and clearance, so that they have a stake in preventing further problems and in improving the area.
An ‘action day’ or similar is a good way of tackling rubbish clearance, as it can bring people together through practical action, generates publicity and may be the starting point for further projects. The Tidy Britain Group can give advice, and the local council may be able to help with rubbish bags, litter-pickers, skips and so on. Volunteers must be capable and suitably equipped for the task. The area should be checked first for material which may pose a health and safety risk, such as chemicals, asbestos or other material. Care must be taken with glass and sharp items, discarded syringes and needles, very heavy objects and other items which may be hazardous.
Abandoned cars and other large and heavy items which are accessible by vehicle can be removed by recovery vehicles or tractors. Large items which have become surrounded by trees may have to be left in situ.
Some woodlands contain remnants of former industrial activity including machinery and buildings which may be of local or archaeological interest. Removal may not be an option, and by limited clearance and tidying they can become of a focus of interest within the wood, rather than an eyesore. Liability from unsafe buildings needs to be considered by the owner of the land.
Concentrate on improving the appearance of the visible margins of the wood, the boundaries with roads and car parking areas and path edges. Remove all litter regularly, and consider regular mowing of grass edges and car- park entrances. Regular mowing may not be best for wildlife, but creates a ‘cared-for’ appearance, and may lessen the incidence of littering.
Barriers to prevent vehicle access for litter dumping and abandonment of cars may be necessary, but must not infringe legal rights of access for horse riders, mobility vehicle users or other legitimate users, or for emergency vehicles. Several companies specialise in producing vehicle barriers, anti-vandal padlock boxes and other devices. See Fencing.
A simple vehicle barrier can be made out of round timber as shown, with a hinge of chain, and an eyebolt and padlock to secure. Wires are stapled along the bar and down the posts to discourage the use of saws.
To block all vehicle access, barriers can include banks and ditches, large logs, large boulders and wooden bollards.
Clearance of undergrowth
Fear of potential attackers hiding in undergrowth is not backed up by statistics of such attacks, but access will be encouraged if walkers have a clear view through woodlands to either side of the path.
Open up views under the canopy by pruning lower branches, and thinning trees as necessary. Removal of shrubs and smaller trees beneath the upper canopy can be considered, and where the canopy is dense, regrowth is likely to be weak. It’s not necessary to clear right through the woodland, as this will result in too much loss of habitat, will make the woodland draughty and inhospitable to many creatures, and will appear monotonous. Clear zones near the path, or strips that open up views to other paths or open spaces, and leave other parts uncleared.
When planning clearance, consider the future management requirements. There is no point in cutting undergrowth if it’s going to regrow rapidly. Annual clearance with a brush cutter may be needed to maintain open conditions.
Local ownership
Mis-use of woodlands is less likely to be tolerated when local residents have an interest in the woodland through time and effort spent in helping manage it. ‘Friends of ….’ and other local interest groups which may evolve from local action are invaluable in helping by practical work, by informal wardening and generally ‘keeping an eye’ on local areas and reporting any problems. Criminal or antisocial behaviour is discouraged where wrongdoers feel they are being watched.
Much of the practical work described in this handbook will help to make woodlands accessible, both through the practical improvements made, and by the presence of people working in the wood encouraging others to visit.
