If you go down to the woods today ...

Satanic or pagan symbols, a teddy chimpanzee, bones and a wickerman have all been nailed, painted and hung from trees in Ivy Lodge Plantation.

The 20-acres of protected ancient woodland lies midway between Letwell and Firbeck on Ivy Lodge Lane and is home to several yew trees.

Parish councillors from both villages have raised concerns about the "upsetting" damage being done to the privately-owned woodland which "was frightening children and threatening wildlife".

A spokesman from Letwell Parish Council said a couple of months ago a chimpanzee was nailed to a yew tree.

He said: "It's quite large, around 2ft and furry, well-over head height and looking down at the path."

Bones and "Indian new-age knick-knacks" have also appeared hanging from trees as well as candles on the floor, he said.

Although the woodland is privately-owned, Rotherham Borough Council put up notices warning it was an offence to damage ancient woodland, but these were ripped down the following day, the spokesman said.

"It's got worse in the last week as somebody has started painting Satanic, or pagan, symbols on around eight trees with green gloss paint about 100 yards from the chimpanzee.

"Now, in the last couple of days they have gone even further than that."

The spokesman said on a recent dog walk he saw a wicker man, made from straw and around 18 inches long, suspended from a tree.

He said it was quite offensive and distressing.

"Everybody is talking about it, it's shook a lot of people up, and many don't want to go anywhere near the wood," said the spokesman.

"Residents want to know who is doing it and wish they would give up.

"It's a footpath that's used a lot and a pretty wood which people have walked through for generations. It is now being spoilt by mindless idiots.

"It's all very unpleasant. We think it's something more serious than messing about, this isn't kids' work. It's not the work of some teenage prank, it's clearly somebody with evil on their minds."

Prior to the chimpanzee appearing, branches had been cut off trees along the edge of the permissive footpath, the spokesman said, adding that he believed this was to clear the way for horse riders who were using the now "clogged-up" path instead of the wood's permissive bridleway. 

The spokesman added he did not know if the widening of the path and the symbols were linked, but he urged people not to be driven away and be vigilant.

"The parish council would also urge horse riders to stick to the bridleway," he said.

A Rotherham Borough Council spokeswoman said the vandalism had been reported to the council and warned those responsible could be fined a minimum of £20,000.

To report any untoward activity email [email protected].