Dear Sir,
Over recent years there has been an alarming rise in the number of reports of people removing fallen timber from our woodlands around the town.
This can be linked to the trend for people to purchase traditional wood burning appliances such as wood burning stoves and garden braziers to burn timber.
While the use of these types of appliances can be seen as a sustainable source of fuel it is important to note that timber taken from our nature reserves can have a significant detrimental effect on the local wildlife.
Fallen and dead timber provides an invaluable habitat for many types of wildlife including food for insects, fungi and birds. It also provides cover for many other species such as birds, amphibians and mammals. The removal of this resource will therefore have a significant impact on the wildlife which will make our woodlands their home.
For this reason Great Aycliffe Town Council will leave fallen and dead timber on site in the form of habitat piles and anyone proven to be taking the timber for their own benefit is liable for prosecution.
Great Aycliffe Town Council would therefore encourage members of the public to remain vigilant of people removing timber from Council owned land and report any concerns to the police on 0345 6060 365 in the first instance. Any further information can be passed onto Great Aycliffe Town Council on 01325 300700.
Again, anyone who has invested in this type heating is encouraged to buy their timber from a reputable dealer and would encourage everyone to enquire where their timber is sourced from.
Steve Cooper,
Environment Officer,
Great Aycliffe Town Council