Wood burners blamed as 50 trees cut down in Halesowen
A Halesowen beauty spot is believed to be falling victim to the latest fashion for wood burners – after more than 50 trees were chopped down illegally.
Worried conservationists are appealing for help to nip in the bud the growing trend of raiding the Coombeswood Wedge for firewood to burn. The Friends of Coombeswood have put up notices warning that felling is not allowed at the beauty spot and are appealing to walkers who use the area to report any incidents to police if they spot illegal activity going on there.
Chairman Sue Yeadon said: "A considerable amount of damage has been caused and we think it is by local people who have seen that wood has been chopped and think they might get away with it, too.
"There has been a rise in people having wood burners – and we believe some are seeing Coombeswood Wedge as a way of saving on fuel.
"But, not only is it decimating the woodland, it is also causing a health and safety hazard because people could trip over trees which have been chopped down, with the wood, presumably, left for collection later.
Escalated
"Initially, we think a few local individuals were responsible but then it escalated and we want to nip it in the bud before it snowballs."
Mrs Yeadon said landowner St Modwen had confirmed that it had not given permission for trees – a mixture of willow, hazel and ash – to be felled on Monachs Way.
"The police are aware of this vandalism and are ready to take action if the culprits are found," she added.
A large number of the trees chopped down were planted about 20 years ago by the Halesowen Abbey Trust. Coombeswood Wedge covers more than 100 acres.
