What police found in protected woodland in North Wales has divided opinion

Wales Online

20-05-2025

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Police today sparked a debate after posting what was found in a protected woodland. Officers from North Wales Police said they had been made aware of a den set up in a forest in Flintshire.
They posted a number of images from the site - including a fire pit, a tent shelter and chairs, damaged trees, as well as a basketball net. The reason they had been called is that this is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) with a formal conservation designation.
Police described the scene as "vandalism" and asked parents on Facebook "Do you know where your children are when they go out to play?".
But the responses from the public were mainly supportive of the "budding Bear Grylls". Others said they couldn't see the "vandalism" there and said young people needed outdoor spaces to play in.
The original post from the police said: "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).
"An SSSI is a site of special scientific interest and is a formal conservation designation. Usually describing an area that's of a 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.
"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."
But one respondent said "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'? Surely this is an indication that setting up a group to encourage more natural creativity would lead to more respect for their environment and community." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Another added: "Awww....it's just a kid or some kids being creative. We've got a budding Bear Grylls in Buckley!"
It was a view widely shared, with one lady 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. 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. 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."
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."
Police actually responded to some of the comments. 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."
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