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PROTECTED species ... under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to destroy or steal bluebells.
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Are bluebells being stolen 'to order'?
22/ 3/2008
WILD flowers are being stolen from some of Rochdale’s most popular beauty spots.
Over recent weeks bluebells have been taken from nature sites in Spotland and fears are growing that the flowers are being targeted.
The species is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, but that hasn’t prevented a spate of incidents.
Roger Chadwick, chairman of the Spotland and Falinge Area Forum, said: "We’ve had significant acts of vandalism over recent weeks.
"People have reported flowers being stolen and I’m very concerned. I don’t know if people are stealing them for commercial reasons, but it is very worrying."
Speaking at the area forum meeting, a resident said: "People have been stealing wild flowers, including bluebells, from the Spotland estate and Healey Dell has also been affected in the past.
"It’s illegal to take wild flowers, but some people don’t seem to realise this. Something needs to be done about it because it’s a serious issue. I don’t know if a professional gang is responsible for the thefts."
Sue Southward, a Healey Dell ranger, added: "It’s important that people know it’s against the law to take protected flowers. Anyone who does this is committing a criminal offence."
The Observer’s nature expert, Allan Marshall, hopes that increased awareness will reduce the number of incidents.
He said: "The leaves are just starting to show now so it’s difficult to say if bluebells are being targeted.
"I don’t know about these specific incidents, but I do know that a lot of people dig up wild flowers and it’s illegal.
"People steal bluebells to plant them in their gardens, but they don’t really have a commercial value. You can buy them for a reasonable price from any garden centre."
Andrew Butcher, community beat manager for Spotland, reassured residents that wildlife crime is taken seriously by the police and urged anyone with information to come forward.
He said: "In general, there’s a perception that wildlife crime isn’t taken seriously, but that’s not the case.
Most recent 2 of 3 user comments
Who cares?
Whats all the fuss about? I am more concerned about rising crime and rising gas bills to worry about a few bluebells that eco hippies are telling us are important to the enviroment.
Sorry to come across not very enviromental but bluebells are the least of my worries.
25/03/2008 at 22:11
Got an opinion you want to share?Do you think Rochdale is unfairly portrayed in the national media?
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I just seen a black 4x4 race up Whitworth Road at a speed of about 80mph, please dont tell me the police are in healey Dell protecting Bluebells i will give up all hope.
25/03/2008 at 22:17