Cyclists blamed for damage at Bluebell Wood

Wednesday 13 March 2019

With Bluebell Wood not yet in full bloom, damage has already been caused to the fragile plants and wildlife in the area, with cyclists being blamed.

Guernsey Police said the damage is "suspected to have been caused by some BMX riders riding off the path", sometime between Thursday 21 February and Wednesday 6 March.

Pictured: Guernsey Police think damage at Bluebell Wood has been caused by a BMX bike (file image). 

Cycling through Bluebell Wood is actually prohibited under a Guernsey Law which restricts cycling, driving or riding horses on cliff paths. That law also covers other areas enjoyed by the general public, including La Valette bathing pools, coastal grasslands, nature trails, parks and gardens, playgrounds and recreation areas owned by the States of Guernsey, the Parishes, La Societe Guernesiaise, and National Trust.

A spokesperson for Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management services told Express:

"Cycling in Bluebell Wood and on all the south coast cliff paths, including connecting paths, between La Valette/Belvedere, St Peter Port, and Fort Pezeries, near Portelet, Torteval is prohibited under the Places of Recreation (Amendment) Ordinance 1996. It’s also not permitted to take any other vehicle to or ride horses in these areas."

The flowering Bluebells can be damaged in other ways too, but guidance is given to those walking through the Wood to ensure other people can enjoy the area too. That includes keeping dogs under control, and keeping ourselves to the paths rather than walking through the Bluebells.

"Dog owners are welcome to exercise their pets in Bluebell Wood as long as dog fouling is picked up and bags taken away for disposal. Whilst there is no requirement to keep dogs on a lead in the area it would be appreciated if owners kept control of their pets and do not allow them to run through the Bluebells as this damages the flowers," said ACLMS.

"Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services would also ask visitors to the wood to please keep to the paths to enjoy the displays. The tracks made into the Bluebells to take or pose for photos are damaging to flowers and plants. This affects regrowth in future years and interferes with the natural seed-setting process which has always renewed the spring woodland display for future generations."

Guernsey Police are now investigating the latest damage at Bluebell Wood. 

The damage at Bluebell Wood is under investigation, with Guernsey Police asking anyone with any information to contact them on 725111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Bluebell Wood.