A community-led fundraiser has been launched to support the Boston Woods Trust following the arrival of an illegal unauthorised encampment on Jenny’s Woods Meadow earlier this week.
The group, who arrived late on Monday night, occupied the peaceful community green space without permission, prompting immediate legal action by the Trust. By Wednesday morning, bailiffs, accompanied by Lincolnshire Police, arrived on site to enforce the removal. The encampment was vacated by lunchtime on Wednesday, with authorities overseeing their departure to ensure the area was safely cleared.
Now, in the wake of the disruption, the Boston Woods Trust has turned to the public for support. The initial costs of legal proceedings and enforcement action have placed an unexpected financial burden on the charity, which relies heavily on donations and community backing to maintain and protect Boston’s beloved woodland spaces.
A GoFundMe page has been set up with a £5,000 target to help cover the legal expenses incurred. The Trust hopes the public will rally behind their efforts to protect and preserve Jenny’s Woods and surrounding meadows, which serve as vital green spaces for recreation, wildlife, and community wellbeing.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Boston Woods Trust said: “After consultation with the Police and Boston Borough Council the Trustees decided to take civil action against them to ensure their swift removal. Bailiffs served them with an eviction order on Tuesday and the bailiffs, supported by police, were on site on Wednesday morning to oversee their departure.
“Some damage was caused at the entrances, and a few trees have been cut down. The meadow looks in a sorry state and we can assume damage to the flora and fauna.
“However the mess can be cleared up and due to our prompt action the damage has been limited.”
“But solicitors and bailiffs come at a price and the bill will be in the thousands which we can ill afford.”
“If you would like to support our action to protect the woods we are creating for all to enjoy now and in the future please donate!”
Jenny’s Woods is one of several natural areas maintained by the Trust, which has worked for over 20 years to create and care for publicly accessible woodland in and around Boston.
To donate to the GoFundMe and support the Boston Woods Trust, click here.
