There have been claims that the Sweedmans Lane campsite has been abandoned by forest protesters, and rubbish left behind. This is a lie!
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The camp has been in recess due to the extreme heat of the summer. However, the site is maintained by residents, and there are daily inspections and regular working bees.
The signs and other items that had been smashed and strewn by vandals, then filmed and posted on Facebook, were cleaned by the community within hours (as has always been done after previous acts of vandalism).
We have just met with the council ranger at the campsite, and were able to demonstrate that it is neat and tidy. There is no refuse and no garbage. There is no smell. It is not a health hazard.
There is no dumped rubbish. All the items there are useful and are carefully stacked. i.e. cut firewood, pallets that are used as a performance stage, star-pickets for a shelter (currently in storage), and a fireplace with kindling for making beverages and cooking. There is a tent, because even in this heat, people occasionally stay. It is all community property, which we have claimed on behalf of the community. We do not want it thrown away.
We would like to point out that the Sweedmans Lane campsite site is a community gathering place, maintained by residents who are fighting to hang on to the only recreational space for Tarkeeth Forest. There is currently no picnic or camping facility provided within or near to Tarkeeth State Forest.