Police warning over behaviour of children in woodland divides opinion

Wales Online

22-05-2025

Police warning over behaviour of children in woodland divides opinion
Police said 'vandalism' had taken place - but members of the public argued the behaviour was 'imaginative'
Police posted photos of a 'den' that had been made at Lower Common in Buckley, a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(Image: North Wales Police )
A Welsh police force has ignited a debate after posting about what they found in a protected woodland. Officers from North Wales Police reported that they had been alerted to a makeshift den in a Flintshire forest.
Police shared a number of images from the site which showed a fire pit, a makeshift tent shelter, chairs, damaged trees, and even a basketball net. They were called to the scene because it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which carries a formal conservation status.
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Describing the situation as "vandalism", police took to Facebook to ask: "Do you know where your children are when they go out to play?" For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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However, the majority of public comments showed sympathy towards the "budding Bear Grylls". Others said they couldn't see the "vandalism" there and said young people needed outdoor spaces to play in.
The police's initial post read: "On Monday 19th May, we were made aware of vandalism having taken place at the Lower Common in Buckley where a children's den has been set up in the woodland of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)," reports North Wales Live.
"An SSSI is a site of special scientific interest and is a formal conservation designation. Usually describing an area that's of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna, flora or any wildlife natural habitat. It's important to protect the geological and physiological features within the area.
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"We have liaised with Flintshire County Council and ranger David Bryan who will arrange to have the area cleaned up. Patrols will be conducted to ensure no further damage is caused."
A make-shift tent
(Image: North Wales Police )
However, many have leapt to the defence of the youngsters, arguing that their creation is a testament to their creativity and imagination.
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One respondent stated: "Can't see vandalism here. I trained in Forest School and this is how incredibly imaginative children can be.
"Why aren't we embracing this and getting our kids enthusiastic about something before they get to a stage where they are actually being a nuisance and vandalising things 'because they're bored and have nothing to do'?"
Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying: "Awww....it's just a kid or some kids being creative. We've got a budding Bear Grylls in Buckley!"
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It was a view that was widely shared, with one woman adding: "It's all feeling a bit confusing for the kids at the moment. Common land has traditionally been seen as open and accessible, but now it seems like almost every patch of green space is being designated as protected by Natural Resources Wales. Kids can't even ride mountain bikes through the Knowies anymore.
"What's tricky is that while restrictions are tight for local children, the same rules seem far more flexible when it comes to property development, which does raise some eyebrows. It sends mixed messages, especially to young people who just want to be outdoors, active, and creative.
"I absolutely recognise the importance of protecting sensitive habitats, and I'm not questioning that.
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"But we can't ignore the growing gap it's creating for teenagers. When they're told they can't go to places like Lower Common, what's left?
"There are so few, accessible outdoor spaces where they can explore, build dens, and tracks to ride bikes, or simply hang out without being moved on or made to feel like they're doing something wrong.
"It would really help if Buckley Town Council could identify and actively promote specific spaces where children are welcome, areas to explore, and enjoy nature without fear of being told off.
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"I grew up doing just that, and we now know how valuable that kind of play is for development and mental wellbeing. It would be a real shame if the next generation missed out on that freedom, simply because no one made space for them."
People defended the youngsters who made the camp on social media
(Image: North Wales Police )
Another added: "Whilst I understand SSSI sites are important, children being able to play and explore is more important, anywhere kids go in Buckley they are an inconvenience."
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Officers have addressed some of the comments online. The South Flintshire Community Policing Team said: "We are all for children being out in the fresh air, playing and having fun, however unfortunately as this area has been designated as an SSSI, we have had complaints from members of the public about the damage caused during their den building and therefore have to respond to these.
"Whilst we do understand the comments being made we are simply offering words of advice to parents who may not be aware that this area is an SSSI."