UK Council Digs Trenches Around Parks to Deter Traveler Encampments

Birmingham City Council has resorted to digging defensive trenches around at least three parks in the city over recent months in an effort to curb the 'unlawful encampment' of travelers. The tactic, described as reminiscent of moats, aims to prevent traveler vans from illegally occupying public land.

This action follows a summer where the council experienced persistent issues with caravans occupying parks. Officials would often clear encampments through legal means, only for the vehicles to reappear elsewhere, a situation described as 'whack-a-mole'.

Recent examples of this preventative measure include Daisy Farm Park off Maypole Lane in Highter's Heath, Manningford Road in Druids Heath, and the entrance of Chinn Brook Recreation Ground in Yardley Wood, where trenches were dug in August. Brandwood Police confirmed that a trench was being dug at Manningford Park specifically to prevent unlawful encampment.

The council stated that increased encampment pressures, coupled with repeated damage to existing boundary infrastructure and access controls, have necessitated the consideration of a broader range of preventative measures. "The council adopts a range of proportionate site-management measures to deter unauthorised vehicle access and unauthorised encampments on parks and open spaces where there is an evidenced history of recurring incidents," a spokesperson for the city council said.

They further explained that the use of ditches, bunds, and other landscape interventions is part of a "broader toolkit of options" and is implemented only when deemed necessary, appropriate, and specific to the site. The council affirmed its commitment to "safeguarding public open spaces for the benefit of all users" and will continue to monitor and review measures at individual locations.