MoD slammed by Wiltshire residents over tree felling in wood

Public access to Avon Grove Wood, between Foxham and Lyneham, closed in December 2023 so the Ministry of Defence (MoD) could begin a programme of removing trees with ash dieback.

But eight months later the public bridleway through the woods remains shut and residents have been critical of the extent of the tree felling that has taken place.

They have formed the Avon Grove Wood Group to demand the public right of way is reinstated and a plan for the removal of trees made public.

A spokesperson said: “We were horrified by what we saw as we ventured into the area when it became clear that it was not reopening any time soon.”

“The initial thinning out of ash trees has turned into environmental vandalism which cannot ever be restored in our lifetime and efforts to start replanting the woodland should be started as a matter of urgency.

“Paths are now undulating trench-like ditches and it is difficult to imagine what our abundant area of natural beauty once looked like.

Residents at Avon Grove Wood (Image: Avon Grove Wood Group)

“There has been a disgraceful act of disregard for both the environment, and the conditions of the Forestry Commission licence.”

The group says the area qualifies as ancient woodland because it has been continuously wooded since 1600.

Many residents of the surrounding villages regularly used the woods for walking their dogs.

One of these walkers, Marie Fox, said the loss of the woodland had impacted villagers.

She said: “Lots of use the woodland on a regular basis so it has been noticed and we aren’t happy.

“It’s a beautiful place, a little haven for wildlife, people are really concerned this has happened.”

The MoD says the bridleway will be reinstated once tree felling is completed, alongside the installation of updated fitting pipes to the drainage culverts.

It is hoped this will aid water movement across the woodland.

Damage done to Avon Grove Wood (Image: Avon Grove Wood Group)

A spokesperson emphasised the felling is necessary to avoid the risk of branches falling and injuring members of the public.

They said: “We are felling trees affected by ash dieback close to the public bridleway due to the risk of branches falling and injuring members of the public.  

“We will also take the opportunity to thin the woodland to allow trees more space and light to grow, which will promote more ground flora.

“Additionally, we will replace with native broadleaf species next winter, to provide more diversity of species and greater resilience against future pests and diseases.”