THE 'FAIRY trail', made by Ascot residents in a nearby nature reserve, has led to the council telling locals to take back their belongings before they're binned.

Bracknell Forest Council posted public notices around the Englemere Pond Walk, Ascot, earlier this week, urging residents to remove their belongings from the site after concerns for the local wildlife's safety were raised.

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The 'Fairy Trail' was first made by residents earlier this year, with locals placing various decorations around the area and making light entertainment for children during the ongoing lockdowns.

In the public notice, the council mentions that "through Covid lockdown this has been an enjoyable feature for people visiting the site", however states that a lot of the decorations are non-biodegradable, and are not being removed from the site.

The council claims this is considered littering on the SSSI nature reserve, which will in turn harm the wildlife in the area.

Pic by Seb Matthews

Pic by Seb Matthews

As a result, residents have been given a month's notice to remove any of their belongings from the site before the BFC Ranger Service disposes of them, starting from May 24.

Andrew Hunter, Executive Director for Place, Planning and Regeneration, said: “We understand that through the COVID-19 lockdown this trail has been an enjoyable feature for people visiting the site.

"As COVID-19 restrictions start to relax, the council has some concerns that the items are not-biodegradable, and if not responsibly removed will lead to littering the nature reserve, and could have a detrimental effect to wildlife on the site.

“We will be leaving the items in situ for a month in order to give an opportunity for them to be removed by the owners.

"After that time they will be taken away and responsibly disposed of by the Bracknell Forest Council ranger service.

"If there is a future desire to set up a similar trail, in the first instance please contact the Rangers via the Parks and Countryside webpage on our website.”

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Seb Matthews, nearby resident to the area, said: "I'm supportive of the decision taken by the Council.

"The 'Fairy Wood' started out as a few organic items here and there (wooden doors and the like) and over time just turned into a refuge for plastic toys which was never going to be good for wildlife or the environment in general."