Culloden vandalism sparks appeal after wooden footbridge is torched and trees chopped down in the latest example of the ‘repeated vandalism’ of Cullwoods

Vandalism in Cullwoods has sparked an appeal to find culprits after an attempt was made to torch a footbridge and trees were chopped down, according to Culloden Community Council.

Posting online, the community council said the owner of the woods - Moray Park Estate - is asking the community to help find the culprits of the most recent vandalism in the woodland.

It said that at “sometime between Wed 29 and Fri 31 January, the bridge was set alight and more trees chopped down with an axe” in what is the latest example of “repeated vandalism”.

The damage “is hampering the owners efforts to try and restore it. The bridge is now structurally unsafe and has had to be blocked off, taking away the only route across the burn”.

Photos from the woods shows how some part of the bridge has been burned leading it to be closed off while some branches have also been severed.

The full post from the community council stated: “The owner of Cullwoods (the woodland in the Moray Park estate) is asking the community to help find the culprits of the most recent vandalism in the woodland. Sometime between Wed 29 & Fri 31 Jan, the bridge was set alight and more trees chopped down with an axe.

“If anyone knows who was involved, heard the chopping taking place or has doorcam footage that covers the entrances to the woodland, please call the police on 101, using crime ref no: PS-20250131-1437.

“The woodland has been suffering with repeated vandalism which is hampering the owners efforts to try and restore it. The bridge is now structurally unsafe and has had to be blocked off, taking away the only route across the burn. This is frustrating for many people in the community who use the woodland to walk through the estate.

“The owner is hoping to come along to the next community council meeting which is on Tues February 4, 7pm at Duncan Forbes Primary to update us with his plans.

“Time spent clearing chopped down trees from the burn and path network has a real impact on the Cullwoods project though and the vandals need to be identified.

“CCTV cameras are now being installed to help monitor and protect the woodland and the rangers number is displayed on signs around the woodland”.