A large area of a National Park has been destroyed in weeks without effective controls to prevent destruction on a vast scale.

Thirteen acres of Pondtail Wood, Poynings, has dissappeared in a few weeks and no effective action has been taken by authorities to prevent its destruction.

What sort of protection do we believe we have for our National Parks throughout the country when cleareance on this scale can occur without even an application to fell woodland?

Did we think certain special areas would be carefully preserved? Do we assume anyone flouting standard planning rules would be prosecuted immediately?

Probably, but as yet, nothing seems to have prevented anyone from destroying this planted ancient woodland.

I question whether the South Downs National Park Authority has any power to prevent further clearance or actually stop further dumping of waste hardcore on the site.

It seems that it could happen in any National Park where land is privately owned.

The public needs to be aware of this situation and report any illegal activity to assist the park authority to take action.

Mike Airey, Chairmam, Poynings Parish Council.