Investigation into 'vandalism of the worst degree' after mystery woodland felling

Angry residents and nature lovers have described the act as “vandalism of the worst degree” with temporary tree preservation orders quickly imposed by Durham County Council to prevent any further felling while its inquiries continue.

The council says it has also contacted the Forestry Commission and Durham Police as part of its investigation.

The woodland area lies close to Seaham Hall Hotel, which has confirmed it does not own the land, and is described by protesters as a “beautiful haven for wildlife”.

Dozens of upset people have already returned to the site to plant saplings in protest at the mystery act.

Among those upset is professional artist and retired art teacher Jac Seery Howard, 62, of Seaham, who used to spend time painting the beech hedgerow.

She said: “I could not believe it when I heard what had happened.

"I came down and left in tears when I realised it had gone. It is vandalism of the worst degree.

“I was delighted when I first found this hedgerow at the back of the hall.

"It had not been tended to for years and had become layered and overgrown naturally.

"It was just such a glorious place to work while being surrounded by bird song.”

Stuart Timmiss, the authority’s head of development and housing, said it had received complaints recently about a number of trees being felled.

He added: “We are currently following up these complaints and have written to the registered owner of the land and spoken to an agent, and have also made the Forestry Commission and Durham Constabulary aware.

"Our officers have been on site and will continue to monitor the situation.

“We have also served an emergency tree preservation order to provide protection to remaining trees in the area.”

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