Police probe continues after £145k damage to ancient woodland

TREES CHOPPED DOWN TO MAKE DENS, SAY VOLUNTEERS

- By NIGEL SLATER

POLICE are investigating after protected trees were chopped down in an ancient Derby woodland.

Earlier this month it was reported how “youths” damaged and chopped down trees, which dated back to the 1600s, to make dens at the Chaddesden Wood nature reserve.

Derby City Council leaders say they are taking the “deliberate” vandalism seriously and are liaising with the police to determine any further actions.

The ancient woodland, situated in Oakwood, is owned by the council but is run and cared for on its behalf by the Friends of Chaddesden Wood committee.

The city council has confirmed that serious damage has been done to two mature oak trees, understood to be around 100 years old.