Buxton, Derbyshire, 21 August 2025 – A mature sycamore tree in Hogshaw Woods, owned and managed by local environmental and heritage charity Buxton Civic Association (BCA), has been deliberately vandalised in an incident the charity describes as “deeply disturbing” and “malicious.”

During routine patrols on Tuesday 12th August, BCA’s Woodland Team discovered that holes had been drilled into the tree’s trunk and a suspected pollutant, believed to be oil or a similar substance, had been injected. The tree is now showing signs of physical distress and disease and is unlikely to survive. It will almost certainly have to be felled during the autumn felling season.

The parallels with the Sycamore Gap incident in 2023 are hard to ignore — both are examples of people wilfully destroying irreplaceable parts of natural heritage.

The loss will come at a direct cost to BCA, which owns and manages Hogshaw Woods as a public amenity woodland for the benefit of residents and visitors to Buxton. This incident will add to BCA’s workload and financial burden at a time when the charity is already facing significant pressures, due to the ongoing management of 164-acres of woodland, widespread tree works to combat Ash Dieback and other issues associated with aging woodlands.

All trees in BCA’s woodlands are protected under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), which make it a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy trees without the written consent of the local planning authority (From UK Government 2014).

Harriet Saltis, BCA’s Woodland Manager, said:

“This incident is deeply disturbing. It is clearly a premeditated act of environmental vandalism, carried out with the intention of killing a healthy and protected tree. It impacts not only the wildlife that depends on this tree, but also the charity’s ability to manage the woodlands for the community during already challenging economic times. Sadly, we may now have to consider installing covert cameras to prevent further incidents.”

Dave Green, Chief Executive Officer, of BCA, added:

“When the Sycamore Gap tree was felled, there was national outrage — because people understand that once a tree of such age and stature is lost, it can never be replaced in our lifetime. This malicious vandalism in Buxton is no less serious. It is an attack on our shared environment, our heritage, and the sense of place that connects us to the landscape. These woodlands belong to all of us, and they deserve the same care and protection as any historic monument.”

The incident has been reported to Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Constabulary, and both parties are investigating.

BCA is appealing to anyone with information to come forward and have offered a reward of £500.00 for information that leads to a successful prosecution of the perpetrator. If you have any information, please contact woods@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

As a registered charity, BCA relies on public support to continue managing its woodlands. If you would like to help, you can become a member, volunteer your time, or donate. For more information, please visit buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk.

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We can’t wait to see you there!

Buxton’s only showcave and 2-million-year-old natural limestone cavern presents a brand-new event for autumn 2025.

Step back in time over 5,000 years ago, to a time when ancient humans took refuge in the depths of Poole’s Cavern.

This family-friendly weekend is packed with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and immersive experiences, including:

• Live flint-knapping and bronze-casting demonstrations by Dr. James Dilley of Ancient Craft
• Get hands-on with real artefacts in our object-handling sessions
• Experience our small on-site exhibition
• Build your own miniature mud hut
• Enjoy magical storytelling in the Tipi
• Channel your inner archaeologist with our mini dig activity
• Follow the clues on a fun woodland trail activity sheet in Grin Low woods (Buxton Country Park)
• Explore our awe-inspiring 2-million-year-old natural cavern at your own pace

Well-behaved dogs are also very welcome to join the event for a small ticket fee, though some areas like the Tipi and mud-hut building zone have restricted access for dogs.

The Poole’s Cavern Pre-History Weekend takes place on Saturday 11^th & Sunday 12^th October 2025.

Tickets are on sale NOW! Book your tickets online in advance to save!*

*(Compared to walk-up tickets on the day).

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We can’t wait to see you there!

Following Vision Buxton’s announcement that it will close by November 2025, Buxton Civic Association (BCA) is stepping forward to carry on elements of its vital work—ensuring continuity for the town’s promotion and partnership-building.

After 24 years of service, Vision Buxton will transfer key activities such as management of the Visit Buxton website, production of the Official Town Guide, and some key stakeholder engagements to BCA. The move ensures Buxton’s voice remains strong in tourism development, strategic planning, and economic revitalisation.

Roddie MacLean, Chair of Vision Buxton, said:

“We’re delighted that BCA will take on these important roles in supporting the town’s visitor economy, building on the successful legacy from the last 24 years. We wish BCA all the very best for the future.”

BCA brings a proven track record in heritage conservation, environmental stewardship, and community-led development. In addition, they own and operate Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park, the leading tourist attraction in Buxton that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Dave Green, CEO of Buxton Civic Association, said:

“We’re honoured to be entrusted with these important assets and initiatives that have played such a vital role in Buxton’s development and identity over the past two decades. BCA is committed to building on Vision Buxton’s impressive legacy, continuing to champion the town’s culture, heritage, and local enterprise for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

The handover is already underway, with both organisations working closely to ensure a smooth and effective transition by the end of October 2025.

See here for the full details and terms & conditions for our ‘What Makes Buxton Beautiful’ competiton.

For answers to FAQs and about our new membership packages…