A group of teenagers who spent days building a treehouse in the woods have been left heartbroken after housing bosses destroyed it with a chainsaw.
The youngsters created the den in Maidstone, Kent, to give them and their friends something to do outdoors that was productive.
Fifteen teenagers spent days making it, and it was created with logs, a tarpaulin roof, a front door and a viewing platform.
The project started in May but on Friday, July 26, ten employees from Croudace Homes, the developer of neighbouring Hermitage Park Estate, fenced it off and dismantled it with a chainsaw.
Maidstone council says it instructed the developer to remove the structure because it caused 'serious harm which is damaging and detrimental to the protected ancient woodland' and it was 'considered as criminal damage'.
A Place to Escape the Screens
The teens involved in the project said they were upset and frustrated with the council's decision. They said they were simply trying to find a place to hang out and have fun outdoors, away from the digital world.
One of the teenagers, who did not want to be named, told Kent Online: 'Everybody loved it, people would smile at us and praise us saying how good it is when they went past.
'We don't want to be sat indoors all day playing on our Xbox, so building this was a lot better, and we went there and enjoyed it.'
The teenager's mother echoed his sentiments, highlighting the importance of outdoor play for children in today's digital age. 'In a world where children are always on digital products this was a creation of great pride, with children working alongside each other, immense teamwork and has seen them out in the fresh air and off of digital products.'
The Council's Perspective
Maidstone council maintains its decision to remove the treehouse was necessary to protect the ancient woodland. They state that the structure caused 'serious harm' and was considered 'criminal damage'.
The council explained: 'MBC understands the concerns raised regarding young people’s mental health and the need for outdoor play.
'However, the tree house that has been constructed in Hermitage Lane Woods has caused serious harm, which is damaging and detrimental to the protected ancient woodland, and therefore considered as criminal damage.
'The construction company has conditions that they have to adhere to as well as a duty to protect and maintain the ancient woodland, however, MBC has contacted the developer to remove the fencing and all the structures, wood and rubbish in the area.'
The Fallout: Anger and Disappointment
Ethan Lyne, 13, another teenager involved in building the treehouse, was disheartened by its destruction. His mother, Mel Banham, said, 'We used to do it when we were young, it was a place to meet and there was nothing sinister about it.
'The den was giving them a place to be out of the way, not in town hanging around street corners.'
Ethan's father, James, went a step further, criticizing Croudace Homes, the developer responsible for the nearby Hermitage Park Estate. He pointed out the developer's own actions had caused significant damage to the woodland, making the council's claim of 'criminal damage' from the treehouse seem hypocritical.
Seeking a Solution
The incident has prompted calls for a more nuanced approach to managing outdoor activities for young people in protected areas. While the council has a responsibility to preserve the environment, many feel a balance needs to be struck, allowing for safe and creative play opportunities for children.
Some believe that a conversation with the teenagers before dismantling the treehouse could have led to a solution that accommodated both the council's environmental concerns and the children's need for outdoor space. John Harmer, a local maths teacher, expressed disappointment for the teenagers, saying, 'I felt disappointment and frustration for these young people, and I was thinking now they will sit at home on their PlayStations or Xbox, and if not will roam around town.
'I certainly saw the treehouse as a positive, they were keeping out of harm’s way and learning practical skills.
'Now in the woods you wouldn’t know there was a treehouse there, it’s all gone, everything’s gone.'
The Future of Outdoor Play
The destruction of the treehouse has brought to light the challenges of balancing environmental protection with the needs of young people in communities. It remains to be seen whether the council will reconsider its approach to managing outdoor play in protected areas. This incident serves as a reminder that communication, collaboration, and understanding are essential to finding solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.
A Treehouse Story, A Tale of Two Perspectives
The story of the destroyed treehouse offers a glimpse into a complex issue: the clash between a community's desire for children to have outdoor play spaces and the need to protect the environment. The council's decision, while aimed at safeguarding the woodland, has drawn criticism for its lack of communication and its perceived disregard for the efforts of the children involved. The incident underscores the importance of finding creative solutions that allow both children and the environment to thrive. This story serves as a reminder that open dialogue and collaborative efforts are crucial in ensuring a balance between progress and preservation.
