CAMPAIGNERS say a barbed wire fence put up along the edge of a nature filled woodland is a threat to animals. 

The Ministry of Defence has put up the wood and wire fence at the edge of Birch Brook Woodland, south of the Middlewick Ranges. 

Martin Pugh, a senior ecologist and Save the Wick campaigner, is worried the 2km fence had left dog walkers and residents "incensed".

It comes after Mr Pugh sent a cease and desist letter to the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Colchester Council about the recent felling and flailing of 9,300 square meters of woodland habitat within the Birch Brook Woodland Local Wildlife Site near Rowhedge.

Campaigner Chris Luff said: “In a very short time there will be much less wildlife left in the area due to this."

Barbed - Another resident on Facebook said the fence was cruel for wildlifeBarbed - One resident on Facebook said the fence was "cruel for wildlife" (Image: Martyn Peck) Mr Pugh, added: “The barbed wire topped fence now represents one of the longest and most significant barriers to wildlife in the Colchester district, in one of the last remaining large green spaces which is a vital thoroughfare for wildlife.

“Badgers, foxes, deer will now be unable to pass and will be separated from family members. A paltry number of small passing places is in no way substitute for the dozens of animal trails which previously existed and have now been fenced off and permanently obstructed.

“This is a sign of further things to come if MOD are allowed to have their way with Middlewick Ranges.”

Evidence - Senior ecologist and campaigner Martin Pugh said the council had missed a c Boundary - Senior ecologist and campaigner Martin Pugh said the clearance of almost one hectare of woodland habitat at Birch Brook to make way for the fence was 'ecologically heinous'  (Image: Newsquest) A spokesman from the MOD said: “The MOD has erected a standard stock fence south of the Birch Brook to mark the new northern boundary of its land. 

“Stock fencing is used extensively across the Defence estate and the wider countryside. The design of the fence has made provision for badger gates and only includes one strand of barbed wire across its top."

While a spokesman for Colchester Council said campaigners should report any wildlife crimes to the police, adding: “The council, as the local planning authority, is not aware of any breaches of planning control, such as development being undertaken without the necessary planning permission.

"We will investigate any alleged planning breaches that are brought to our attention in accordance with our adopted policies and procedures.”