Bath City Farm is sad to share that on Wednesday night we were visited by a group of young people who targeted a pond containing breeding newts, removing and destroying aquatic life. On the same night, our play area was also targeted, leaving large amounts of broken glass. Our site team carries out daily checks, so thankfully this was identified quickly. However, this was an extremely reckless act. In the last week our tree house was also damaged beyond repair.
Sadly, these are not isolated incidences. The warmer weather and lighter evenings often coincide with increased anti-social behaviour. Last year, the same pond was targeted in a series of incidents that led to the total decimation of the newt population and the complete destruction of the pond. The cost of repair is significant, not only financially to the Farm, but emotionally to our allotmenteers and members of our mental health and wellbeing groups. It is for this reason that we have installed additional cameras across the site at considerable expense. The police are always informed, and these matters are taken seriously.
Our team works tirelessly to provide spaces, services and facilities where our community and wildlife can thrive together. We know life is complex, and early adolescence in particular can be a confusing and pressured time at home, at school and among peers. Where we are able to identify those responsible for damage, we will seek restorative approaches that help individuals understand the impact of their actions and put things right. However, given the severity of last year’s events, we are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness.
The Farm works with hundreds of young people each year who contribute hugely to this community and this incredible green space and are incredibly valued. We welcome any young person living locally to come and get involved and join our community of young people who give so much to support the running of the Farm, more information about opportunities can found here: https://www.bathcityfarm.org.uk/for-children/.
If you are reading this and know or care for young people who visit the Farm in the evenings, please speak with them about the importance of respect and about the value of this shared community resource.
Thank you to our community for your continued and incredible support. We know many of you will be saddened and shocked to read this. We share it with reluctance, but we cannot accept another Spring and Summer like the last.