Concerns over the risk of wildfires and the potential impact on wildlife have been raised by a newly formed Isle of Wight group opposing plans to introduce overnight accommodation within Bouldnor Forest.
The Bouldnor Forest Group is calling on Forestry England to abandon plans which it says would see secluded, off-grid cabins offered for commercial rent within the woodland.
Forestry England unveiled plans for cabins at Bouldnor Forest in early July as part of a partnership with accommodation company Unyoked.
Those opposing the proposals say they are particularly concerned about the potential fire risk during periods of hot and dry weather, as well as disturbance to wildlife and nearby homes.
Samantha Powell, a spokesperson for the Bouldnor Forest Group, has said:
“The woodland is tinder-dry and the prospect of a cigarette butt starting a fire which would destroy the woodland for a generation is devastating.
“The forest is surrounded by homes.”
The group’s concerns follow wildfires elsewhere in the country this summer, including at Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight and in the New Forest.
Members say they want to see a full fire risk assessment which takes into account the potential for cigarettes, barbecues, campfires and discarded glass or litter to start fires.
Samantha added:
“Last week I was watching nightjars in the exact spot where Forestry England plans to install a cabin with a gas cylinder, a dangerous fire accelerant.
“The cabins will attract people in the summer and during drought periods. Surely there should be a proper fire risk assessment, recognising climate change and the likelihood of unlicensed barbecues and campfires, not to mention the risk of cigarettes, vapes and carelessly discarded glass and litter.”
The group is also seeking further information about how cabins would be transported into the woodland and how the proposed locations would be accessed by emergency services.
Forestry England’s partnership with Unyoked has already resulted in a site at Dalby Forest in Yorkshire, with further secluded forest locations planned elsewhere in the country.
The Bouldnor Forest Group claims the accommodation is being treated as caravans and therefore would not require conventional planning permission.
Wildlife is another major concern for campaigners, who say Bouldnor Forest provides habitat for protected and rare species including red squirrels, nightjars and great crested newts.
The group is calling for a full wildlife survey to examine the potential impact of overnight visitors and the installation of accommodation.
Concerns have also been raised about noise and artificial light after dark, litter, dog mess, sewage and grey water disposal, as well as potential damage caused during the installation and servicing of the cabins.
The group says it has previously reported wild camping, damage to trees, barbecues and campfires within the forest.
Samantha has said:
“I can’t believe that Forestry England will licence unsupervised campsites in the forest which will encourage this sort of behaviour.
“At nightfall people normally leave the forest and the birds and animals are left undisturbed overnight. But it’s unavoidable that people will be moving around outside their cabins in the evening.
“At best, they will be talking, using torches and eating and drinking; at worst, they will be playing loud music and partying. There will be nowhere left for the wildlife.”
Until last month, the area of Bouldnor Forest concerned was leased and managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, according to the group.
Campaigners are now calling on Forestry England to abandon the proposals and resume negotiations over what they describe as the long-term protection and care of the woodland.
The Bouldnor Forest Group has said:
“These are public forests owned by the nation, the birds and animals have no voice to defend themselves and Forestry England should be guardians of our natural heritage.”
The concerns and claims detailed above have been made by the Bouldnor Forest Group. No response from Forestry England or Unyoked was included with the press release.
