RW Fletcher, of Oxford Street, Dartmouth, writes: Rape. Desecration. Vandalism. I'm not sure which of these three words is the most appropriate to describe what has happened in part of the parish of Kingswear. Until the end of June it was a pleasure to walk from the Higher Ferry towards the Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority facility along the small path by the side of the railway. It was a haven of wildlife, and over the past three years I have tried, by walking almost daily along this stretch, to record the vast array of wildlife. I say 'was', as this is no longer the case. Some time at the end of June, the entire eco-structure was strimmed to within an inch of its life. The result? No ­wildflowers; no sloes; no blackberries; no wild strawberries. As a result, no bees, no insects and no butterflies. I am thankful that I have managed over the course of time to capture virtually all the flora and fauna of this narrow strip of green, with several hundred photographs to record what is now just a memory. I would like responses to the following points: 1. I would like those responsible for this outrageous act to step forward and say 'mea culpa' – always assuming they have the testicular fortitude to do so, which I doubt. 2. I would like those responsible to put into print an apology for their lack of forethought. 3. I would like those ­responsible to also put into print what they intend to do to mitigate the mess they have made, and on what timescale. In an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, I would have expected a more measured approach and humane ­treatment of a small island of peace and tranquillity much loved by locals and visitors.