VOLUNTEERS who help look after Bridport’s Allington Hill and Coopers Wood are worried about scavengers – the human kind.

They fear that the number of people taking wood is upsetting the delicate eco balance.

In a joint statement the Allington Hillbillies, The Woodland Trust, Dorset Area of Outstanding Beauty and Allington Parish Council have said there is a fine line between the needs of the community and nature.

It says: “The balance of nature within the small confines of Allington Hill, Cooper’s Wood and Field and the needs of the community is drawn by a very fine line.

“With modern day living and the increase of the use of wood burners, the removal of wood from the site has increased.”

“We would like to remind people that all the wood belongs to either the Woodland Trust or Allington Parish Council.”

By taking wood people are also jeopardising a project run by Allington Parish Council in partnership with Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty who are working with Magna Housing Association on a fuel poverty pilot.

The pilot aims to help those struggling to pay fuel bills by providing them with discounted firewood from community woodlands, including Coopers Wood. The wood there is being felled as part of on-going sustainable management of the site. It is left to dry in situ before being delivered to those in greatest need.

The wood is also an important source of funding for the Woodland Trust. The trees planted by the Woodland Trust on the hill over the last 30 years provide a rich natural habitat, for a rich diversity of mammals, birds and insects as well as plant life, it says.

Allington Hillbilly chairman Catherine Harvey said: “We must not forget that wood piles and rotting wood as well as standing dead wood are a very important part of the eco system for all wildlife and removal of wood in large quantities can have a detrimental effect on the wildlife that depends on it.

“If every one took several sticks on every visit it would have a devastating effect. The Woodland Trust also make every effort to manage its woodlands in a sustainable way, to support the charity and fund the up keep of all its woods to allow public access to all.”

Mrs Harvey said non native trees, such as rooted Christmas trees were also a problem.

She said: “Last year over a dozen trees which had been planted on the hill without the landowners permission were removed by the volunteers. Six of these were rooted Christmas trees.

“If these trees were allowed to become established it would change the habitat in that area and many native species of plants and insects would be lost. Only trees which have a certificate proving that they were grown in the UK within specially controlled environment are allowed to be planted and permission must be sought from the landowners.”

If you wish to find out more about the fuel poverty scheme contact either Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: dorsetaonb.org.uk Woodland Trust: woodlandtrust.org.uk Allington Hill Cooper’s Wood and Field Community Group: allingtonhill@gmail.com