Bluebell woods are no more (From Gazette Series)

Bluebell woods are no more

SIR - On April 3 my husband and I visited Stinchcombe Hill and went through what I remembered as the bluebell woods. Years ago it used to be one mass of blue, but to my great disappointment is no more. I just managed to fine two or three.

What has happened? The woods were once a beauty spot, we called them the 'fairy woods'. Granted we saw the lovely clumps of white wood anemones but after having had such a lovely memory of bluebells 'en masse' - during 1947-1951 and again from 1994 to 2000, my one glowing memory of bluebell woods had to be Dursley but sadly the last but one time we visited, the motor-bikers were seen speeding around and didn't care about anything. They were content to shatter the peace of the woods with their revving.

Then the other Saturday we noted with horror the travellers had landed and were encamped along the tops of the woods, chairs were standing on woodland paths, washing on bushes and a large dog wandered aimlessly.

So we returned to Bristol. Our memories will always remain the same but the reality is shattered. What do the travellers use as toilets? Have they permission to be there? No birds were singing - in fact, we saw none.

I lived in Dursley during 1947-51. My father was station-master. But there will be no return visits to the 'fairy woods' I remembered and cherished during my years of ageing.

How sad it is to find people intent on destroying God's beautiful nature, intent only to enjoy themselves. How the values of life are wantonly destroyed by people who do nothing to conserve all that is free and beautiful, given us by God himself.

Mr and Mrs R Webb, Dyrham Road, Kingswood, Bristol