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Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police warning over behaviour of children in woodland divides opinion
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. 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 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. Article continues below "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. 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: " just a kid or some kids being creative. We've got a budding Bear Grylls in Buckley!" 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. "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." 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." Article continues below 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."
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Wales Online
What police found in protected woodland in North Wales has divided opinion
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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: " 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." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
20-05-2025
- North Wales Live
What police found in protected woodland in North Wales has divided opinion
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: " 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."
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Leader Live
Buckley Lower Common vandalised as police up patrols
North Wales Police's South Flintshire team confirmed they were made aware of the vandalism at the Lower Common in Buckley. A "children's den" has been set up, with a fire, camping chairs and what looks to be a tent. The force say they will be conducting patrols to ensure no further damage. A spokesperson said: "Do you know where your children are when they go out to play? MOST READ: "Major milestone" as new store set to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham Man found with 35g of spice down his trousers during visit to HMP Berwyn "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."
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Walking football festival a huge success
A walking football festival has raised more than £700 for charity. Haverfordwest County AFC and PATH Charity hosted the event on Sunday, April 27, at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium. The festival featured 16 teams competing in four categories, promoting the health benefits of walking football, especially for those over 40. The festival raised £640 for SNAP Pembrokeshire's specialist play services, with a charity raffle contributing an additional £130 to PATH. The event saw participation from staff and volunteers from PATH, SNAP Pembrokeshire, Councillor David Bryan, and Matthew Freeman, manager of PCC Sport Pembrokeshire. Representative teams from various areas, including Milford, New Hedges Saundersfoot, and Neath, showcased their skills across three pitches. The matches were officiated by Arthur Hughes, Brendan McGrail, and Helmut Reinhart. The festival also celebrated the success of the PATH numeracy project, funded through the Social Prosperity Fund, highlighting the importance of community-driven programmes in fostering education and engagement. Learners who benefitted from the project offered their support during the event, alongside staff who led the project. Members of Haverfordwest High Sixth Form, who attended the numeracy classes as part of their work experience, also supported the event. The festival underscored the unifying power of sport, as noted by Paul Williams, chairperson of the Haverfordwest County Walking Football Group. He said: "We see walking football as a brilliant form for our health and wellbeing every week, alongside being able to socialise with like-minded football lovers." Event organiser Dean Flood remarked: "This festival has been a shining example of how learning, well-being, community cohesion, and human connection can thrive when people unite with a shared purpose." The results in each category were: Ladies over-40s, winners Haverfordwest County AFC; Mixed over-50s, winners Haverfordwest County AFC; Mixed over-60s, winners Celtic Nations; Mixed over-70s, winners Celtic Nations. Haverfordwest County Community Manager Harry Thomas and Commercial Manager Alaric Jones expressed their delight in working with PATH to host the event. They said: "After a highly successful season for the club in the Welsh Premier League, it has been wonderful to add the walking football element as it is part of our commitment to being a true community club." Haverfordwest County AFC Walking Football trains every week at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 11.30am and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. New and returning members are welcome, with training open to women aged 35 and over, and men aged 45 and over.
