Recently, we experienced an unfortunate incident of theft on site. During the Easter break, the Ranger team discovered that our assault course was f missing the footholds for our three climbing walls. Below is an article we have prepared to report the incident and appeal for support:
An environmental charity and heritage site near Wellingborough, which is a favourite amongst local families for its nature reserve and engagement activities as well as its children’s play equipment in Wellingborough, has appealed for help after a theft during the Easter break.
Stanwick Lakes is managed by The Rockingham Forest Trust, and offers a variety of activities for visitors, volunteers, school groups and businesses, to get more connected to nature, learn about the history of the Nene Valley, and improve their health and wellbeing.
Between site checks on Saturday 15th April, and the rounds the following Sunday morning, up to 90 footholds were removed from the three climbing walls leaving the site’s assault course lacking a significant portion of its obstacles.
The assault course is a popular with older children and adults alike, and is also used for corporate team building events.
Executive Director Kate Chadwick said: “It is a great shame, and adds to the challenges the charity already faces, above and beyond our core objectives.
“Whilst the assault course is free to use, the footholds cost a significant amount of money and we have limited funds spare for replacing equipment you wouldn’t imagine anyone would steal.
“Our varied play equipment offers numerous challenges for different ages of children, creating opportunities for fun physical exercise, and in the instance of the assault course, mental stimulation too, as climbers plan their route. Many taking a walk away from the Visitor Centre to enjoy this area will be disappointed.”
The police have been notified, with the crime reported, and the CCTV around the site has been taken into consideration.
The ranger team, who are present whenever the site is open and carry out daily site checks, were disheartened to see such a deliberate act with little consideration for the consequences. “The equipment which has been taken had specialist fixings, and it would require a fair amount of thought and a substantial period of time and perseverance to remove.”
“Sadly, we cannot be everywhere at all times on a 750 acre site, so whilst sometimes unfortunate incidents can occur, we can also appeal to the local community for any information about untoward behaviour on site, or regarding the whereabouts of such a quantity of specialist equipment.”
“Both the public and local businesses have been very helpful to the Trust in the past, with similar appeals to repair damage and loss on previous occasions. We hope somebody may come forward to help with information, and any offers to provide a replacement for the climbing wall footholds, as a donation, as a sponsorship opportunity, or at reduced cost would be very welcome.”
With the support of a strong team of volunteers, the Rockingham Forest Trust has managed the countryside attraction for over 15 years, creating childhood, family and legacy memories and for more than one generation in the county of Northamptonshire and beyond.
If you would like to contact us with information, or anything else regarding this matter, please email info@rftrust.org.uk
