5th April 2007

The Friends Committee were shocked to see the extent of the tree felling and damage to undergrowth in an area on the edge of Babbacombe Cliffs

In the area between the Model Village and the top station of the Cliff Railway where until last weekend and extensive woodland stood there is now nothing but felled trees and flattened vegitation. Part of this area is either in or adjoins sites of special scientific interest and conservation areas.

The Friends Committee at their meeting on Tuesday 3rd May expressed their shock and surprise. They want to make it clear that they had nothing at all to do with what amounts to wanton destruction of mature woodland and possibly the natural habitat of many wild birds and animals - particularly reckless at this time when birds will be nesting in preparation for raising their new broods of young.

"We asked the Council Officers who control the Cliff Railway and they themselves could shed no light on the matter - it came as a surprise to them as well" Said John Ayres Chairman of the Friends. "It would appear that this work was not initiated by the local authority nor officially sanctioned by them - as yet we have no idea how this came about but clearly it is not something that can be put right quickly. Some of the growth must have been over 40 years old!"

Friends hope that whoever is responsible can be identified and challenged over this apparently unofficial action that has cleared most of the trees from the enclosure to the north east side of the Top Station. They believe the lost trees should be replaced if not in that location then nearby and the natural habitat restored as far as possible.

"The Grafitti on the Station and Cars during the winter was shocking but at least it was possible to clean that off or paint over it - this new act of vandalism will not be overcome so quickly or simply" said the Friends group Secretary Arthur Christian "We had hoped to work in partnership with the local authority and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust to perhaps manage the woodland in the immediate area of the Cliff Railway to improve it for the benefit of visitors and the wildlife but on one side there is now not much left to manage!"

On a more positive note the top station is now more visible and likely to be seen from a distance by visitors - there have been complaints in the past that it is hidden from view and missed by many who might otherwise spot it from the road and ride the Cliff Railway. Friends hope to repaint both stations during the spring and summer using volunteers and to improve signage in the immediate vicinity to attract more visitors to the amenity.

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