Trespassers in Woodland?

Question

A few years ago when i was 18 I inhereted 110 acres of woodland near to our family home, It consists of dense forest, a river and open fields. I never really bothered with it until last month I became a dad & regually walk through there with my son in his pushchair when we visit his gran.
When I go in there, there is often people (kids ect.) + there & tons of dog c**p everywhere. I cannot realistically fence it all off, however feel that it is a bit of a liberty when I see kids in there doing all sorts! -(by that I mean not what yoyu would want to see)
Any advice.

Answer 1

tell the police to do some checks on the area
it is your land and you have the right to get them off
put up signs

Answer 2

You can put up warning signs saying something like keep off this land, trespassers will be prosecuted (make sure these signs are clear and visible). Also if you see people on the land you can give them verbal warnings, therefore this will constitue as trespassing if they continue to enter the land as you are expressing the fact you don't want them there! You can take them to court if they continue to breach this, even if the case fails it shows some attempt on your part to stop this behaviour, so if an accident then occurs to someone who is on the land unlawfully, you are then protecting yourself from liablility by doing so. Although putting up a fence would be a good idea, it is highly unpractial if you have 100 acres of land, you have this on your side if someone tried to sue you under the Occupiers Liability Act (1957/84). You can also get advice from your local police and they can keep records to ensure people keep away.

Answer 3

We have land. I think the right to roam does not apply to fenced off land. 110 acres is a fair chunk but not impossible to fence. It'll cost about £10K with stock proof wire/posts and barbed

You could put up signs that rare flowers have been found and people are asked to keep away.

The converse is you could put us hazardous chemical signs.

Phrase them so the signs say there is a "possibility of..".. so no one can challange you.

I manged to scare off persistance teenagers by giving them cards recommending they get checked for TB immediately. Using a suitably worried look and show of concern. Never saw them again.

Alternatively there is the "This is private land, trespassers may be procecuted". Although you are likely to see this sign disappear

Its a shame you have to do this but it is upsetting when people think you are thier gardener and expect you to look after land for thier use.

Finally, and worryingly, I think if kids are taking drugs on your land (eg) then you are responsible. So if you see any evidence of this you should report to the police to keep yourself in the clear.

NFU or CLA ( Country landowner association ) might be able to help.

Answer 4

Have you thought about a few placards, in the most populated areas saying "warning! poison ivy" or something like that? There doesn't have to be any poison ivy, really, because the sort of people you describe couldn't tell it from a daisy, but will be a little cautious of doing "all sorts" where they might get some kind of personal damage. Hope this helps, it worked for us in the northern Minnesota woods!

Answer 5

A double barrelled shot gun should do the trick. Drive at them in a Land Rover, shouting "Get off my land!" and firing blanks.
But seriously - a polite notice by the entrance should help. Now there Countryside Rights of Way Act has come into force, I'm not sure that they are actually "trespassing".

Answer 6

You should be able to post several "Posted Private Property, No Trespassing" signs around a good part of the perimeter of your land and let the police know that people are trespassing. Once it is posted they have to remain out or face charges.

Answer 7

It's your woodland, so I suggest you make the most of it - open a naturist reserve, or turn it into a lion safari. That way the trespassers become part of the entertainment.

Answer 8

TELL LOVELYLEX TRESPASS IS TRESPASS
IT IS UP TO YOU TO ENFORCE THE TRESPASS PROBLEM
YOU WILL HAVE TO SIGN PROPERLY AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE FENCING. A REQUEST TO THE POLICE MIGHT HELP, CONTACT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY OFFICER
YOU COULD SECTION OFF AN AREA AND ALLOW USE OF THIS FOR LOCALS OR DO AS WE HAVE TO AND JUST PATROL THE WHOLE AREA YOURSELF AND CHASE PEOPLE OFF

Answer 9

Suggest you invest in about 15 Wild Boars , don,t foget to put you "WARNING-- WILD BOARS" Notice up on many Trees - Good Luck

Answer 10

i love going down to the woods especially if there's a river close by and having a picnic and what ever else takes my fancy :p if you know what i mean - especially if I'm with my bf