Police are overseeing a wildlife haven in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, following confrontations between protesters and individuals who began developing the land. The dispute erupted over the bank holiday weekend when locals discovered work, including the laying of a concrete surface and the erection of fences to create five plots, had begun on the field. This land is known as a habitat for muntjac deer and nesting birds.
Hundreds of residents gathered at the site, near Rod Stewart's Grade II-listed mansion, Durrington House, to voice their opposition. Some protesters camped on the land overnight to prevent further work. Their efforts led to a temporary halt on August 31 when police and East Hertfordshire District Council visited the site. The council subsequently issued a Temporary Stop Notice, and a High Court injunction has been granted, temporarily blocking further development. Officers remain present at the fenced-off site, which contains a static home and four heavy-duty diggers. Two caravans were also observed on the land.
According to a council spokesperson, awareness of the unauthorized work began early on Saturday, August 29, following resident reports. Heavy vehicles and construction equipment had entered the land, which lacks planning permission for development. The council's immediate priority was to prevent occupation and cease the unauthorized development. A court hearing is scheduled for September 15, but the council sought an earlier date due to ongoing work.
Josh Dean, the Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, expressed dismay at the "flagrant disregard for the rules and the damage that has been done to our environment." He called for legal changes to grant local authorities stronger powers to address such activities swiftly.
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that officers entered the site and, following the amended High Court injunction, all individuals with unauthorized access left peacefully. The injunction meant that carrying out prohibited activities, such as bringing caravans onto the site or occupying it for development, could lead to arrest, though no arrests were necessary.
Residents described feeling "powerless" and "devastated" by the destruction of the wetland habitat. One anonymous resident, who has lived in the area her entire life, noted that the reserve, which supported protected wildlife like bats, newts, and nesting birds, was destroyed within a day. This incident follows a pattern of travelers acquiring land, often in affluent areas, to establish unauthorized sites.
