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06
Nov
Nidderdale rallies behind woodland owners after shed burglary and fire
A fundraising page has been set up after a shed and tool store nestled in a Nidderdale woodland were burgled and went up in flames.
Peter Brambleby and his wife Michelle bought the six-hectare Fishpond Wood, near Bewerley, about 13 years ago.
Following a career in public health, Mr Brambleby saw the investment as a retirement project and dedicated his time to restoring the area.
He told the Stray Ferret he shared the project with local people, including volunteers, and it has since evolved into a business called Whitewoods Wellbeing.
The woodland, which is also open for public use, is often used for educational, therapeutic and recreational events.
But, following a burglary and a fire at the site within just weeks of each other, Nidderdale locals have launched a GoFundMe page to help "get Fishpond Woods up and running again".
A storage shed and tool store in the woodland were used to store equipment used on-site, including a quad bike and chainsaws.
But the contents of the units were stolen sometime between 7pm on October 7 and 7am the following morning.
North Yorkshire Police said a Yamaha quad bike, a large selection of Stihl chainsaws, leaf blowers and other items were stolen at the time.
Mr Brambleby, who believes the goods were worth around £15,000, told the Stray Ferret security cameras overlooking the sheds were smashed during the incident.
He added:
We can’t get insurance as we’re not residents at the site, so none of it was insured. That’s why we had heavy security [cameras] there.
The stolen quad bike.
None of the stolen goods have been recovered.
To make matters worse, just under three weeks later the shed and tool store burned down.
Mr Bumbleby yesterday (November 5) told the Stray Ferret:
The exact same building and adjacent tool shed burned down in a fire.
I got a call about the fire and went over there, but by the time the firefighters arrived it was completely engulfed by flames.
The shed was engulfed by flames.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said at the time Harrogate and Knaresborough fire crews were called to the Peat Lane site at 5.35pm on October 27.
The shed was well alight when firefighters arrived and the blaze destroyed the entire unit, as well as a trailer, chipper and some timber stored inside it.
The Stray Ferret has asked the fire service what the cause of the fire is believed to be.
The GoFundMe page, set up by Wildish coffee shop owners Nell and Oscar Boatfield-Wharton, has set a target of £3,000.
It says:
Fishpond Woods in Bewerley has become a real part of the Nidderdale community. A place where people come to slow down, learn new skills and reconnect with nature. It’s been shaped by Peter and Michelle Brambleby, who started Whitewoods Wellbeing to help people find calm and connection outdoors.
Two weeks ago, Peter’s woodshed and tool shed were broken into.
The flames could be seen from distance.
The page says Mr Brambleby has spent years “quietly doing amazing work in these woods”, adding:
...creating habitats, restoring the pond, rewilding and managing the wood, hosting volunteer days, and supporting local projects that help people get outside. The woods have become a haven for many people and an important space for community and wellbeing.
Now, he needs a bit of help himself.
Emilie Felsing, a Glasshouses resident, told the Stray Ferret the local community was “distraught” about the incidents, as the woodland is “such a valuable community asset”.
“It is just so not deserved – he is such a nice man”, Ms Felsing added.
Mr Brambleby said the incidents have “set us back a lot” after spending years building the woodland and the wellbeing company up, but added he and his wife have been heartened by the community’s support.
Rehabilitation work
Mr Brambleby said Whitewoods Wellbeing has previously worked with ex-offenders to offer rehabilitative services, but he is concerned if they do not have access to the kind of services they provide - or any forms of rehabilitation – they run the risk of repeat offending.
He added:
Some may say they hope the worst comes to them but we don't feel that way. We want to make sure people get the rehabilitation they need and steer people in the right direction. We feel the justice system lets us down.
Our biggest concern is that when rural criminals are caught, they have resources to steer them away from doing it again. We will carry on doing our bit towards that.
When the Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Police about the burglary, a spokesperson said no arrests have been made yet and enquiries are ongoing. The force added:
Anyone with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12250190114.
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