‘HORRIFIED’ campaigners have accused the Three Counties Agricultural Society of ‘hypocrisy’ for letting campervans park in a woodland outside Great Malvern.
The Save Langdale Wood campaign group launched the attack after hearing the charity would be allowing up to 150 campervans and caravans to stay at the site off Blackmore Park Road for the popular Bus Fest which runs from September 7 to September 9.
Sharon Taylor, who founded the Save Langdale Wood group, claimed the society had ‘promised’ to look after the wildlife following its application to build 40 holiday lodges and a reception office within the wood was approved at the end of May.
She told the Observer the wildlife ‘would not stand a chance’ with so much activity, in particular the Great Crested Newts which are protected by Natural England.
“The Save Langdale Wood campaign has been horrified to hear of the recent actions of Three Counties yet again,” she said.
“We have found out that despite their promises, they have permitted Bus Fest to park campervans in the woodland at £100 each.
“Along with this they are planning an off-road course which will be reached through the wood along the pond habitat for Great Crested Newts.
“This is an outrage not only to wildlife but to local people who were shut out of the woodland from the day after their last application for 50 lodges was defeated.
“It’s just hypocrisy. More than 300 people with polluting vehicles are allowed to drive all over the woodland at the cost of the wildlife for the right price?”
In response, Ken Nottage, chief executive of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, said Langdale Wood had supported events at the Three Counties Showground since 1975 when it was purchased for that purpose.
He added: “The Society is mindful of which events the woodland can support and their compatibility with the ecology, especially after recent in depth ecological reports.”
