The woods near the Guides camp which are under threat of being bulldozed for a road scheme
A precious piece of Surrey woodland which has been used by generations of Girl Guides from Croydon and surrounding areas is under threat of being bulldozed in a road-building scheme.
Local Girlguiding groups have set up a petition to protest against the destruction of the woods near the Heyswood campsite, which is owned by the Guides.
In a typical year, more than 2,000 children attend the camp from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides as well as Scouting and school groups. When there have been special events, more than 6,000 children have visited or stayed there.
Rainbow Guides may no longer be able to use the camp if the road widening goes ahead as planned
“This is one of the places children will have their first experience of camping or being away from their parents,” one Croydon Guides group leader told Inside Croydon.
The future of the camp has been thrown into doubt, though, because of plans by the Highways Agency to widen the nearby junction of the M25 and A3 at Wisley.
“The junction needs widening, but everyone is wondering what the logic is to cut through ancient woodland and through the middle of a site used by children.”
Croydon Guides and others who use the camp ask that as many people as possible sign their online petition, which can be accessed by clicking here.
All signatures need to be gathered before 11.45pm this Friday, December 14.
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