Easter ‘woodland retreat’ for illegal migrants AXED after ‘violent backlash’ from locals

Peter Stevens
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:35:06 +0000

An Easter “training day” for male asylum seekers has been cancelled following what locals described as a “violent backlash”.

The event, planned at Wilderness Wood near Hadlow Down in East Sussex, was intended to support newly arrived migrants living at a nearby army base in Crowborough.

Organisers said the day would include crafts, music and forest school-style activities across the 60-acre woodland site.

However, the plans were scrapped after strong opposition from local residents, including criticism in a village Facebook group and people turning up at the site.

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Venue owners Dan Morrish and Emily Charkin cancelled the event following the backlash.

Jim Smith, 59, told the Daily Mail he was “very much against” the plans.

"I know Dan and Emily quite well. The fact they were considering having migrants coming here for lessons, training days is shocking," he said.

"Now they have said they won't do it, but it was only after there was quite a violent backlash. People are very upset about it.

"It's when things are done underhand like this. There was no running it past us. Especially those with girls and young children."

However, another villager claimed the cancellation was driven by intimidation.

“They were hanging around the entrance to Wilderness Wood. This makes women and children in my family scared. It is disgusting bullying on a tiny local business,” they said.

Jennifer Kersey, 71, added: "They cancelled it over threats, but I say it was public opinion being against it, they have now decided not to do it.

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"There are not many people here who are in favour of it."

Tensions were further inflamed online after an AI-generated poster circulated, calling for a protest and raising safeguarding concerns.

The poster, shared by a group called Migrants on the Move, called for “clear safeguarding policies”, “proper supervision” and “a safe space for families”.

One resident warned the situation risked escalating.

"There is uproar in the village and it's very frightening. You only have to look online to see the videos," they said.

"It's a very nasty split in the village and some true colours are coming to light. There are meetings that I feel are going to get very nasty.

"I'm intrigued by which way things will go because it will only take one small incident for carnage, I'm certain."

Wilderness Wood confirmed the decision in a statement, saying: “We have dropped plans to host a small group of asylum seekers for a visit to the woods, due to threats from some groups and individuals.”

It added: “Wilderness Wood is not housing any asylum seekers. And we do not have any plans to do so.”