The much-loved wooden carving of Martha the female quarry worker in Grin Low Woods has been targeted by vandals and deliberately knocked to the ground with significant force.

The incident has disappointed staff, volunteers and the many local families who regularly visit the woodland trails.

Martha has a special place in the hearts of the community. She was commissioned following an extraordinary fundraising campaign led by the Buxton Advertiser after another sculpture, Charlie, was vandalised in 2021. Local people, businesses and supporters donated generously to ensure Charlie could be repaired and the trail could continue, with the addition of Martha, turning an act of vandalism into a symbol of community spirit.

Martha was also vandalised in August 2024, when her eyes were gouged out. Lorraine Botterill, the sculptor and creator of Charlie and Martha was able to repair her.

The vandalised Martha statue in Grin Low Woods. Photo BCA

placeholder image — The vandalised Martha statue in Grin Low Woods. Photo BCA

Now, just two years later, that community spirit has once again been dealt a blow.

Dave Green, BCA Chief Executive Officer said: “We are incredibly saddened that Martha has been deliberately knocked over.

“It wasn’t an accident – it took considerable force to cause this level of damage.

“Martha exists because our community cared enough to repair Charlie after he was vandalised.

Martha in all her glory who was created to honour female quarry workers past and present. Photo Jason Chadwick.

“Hundreds of people helped make that happen, and this sculpture stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together.

“It is deeply frustrating that a small number of individuals continue to damage places that belong to everyone. Buxton Country Park is here for the public to enjoy, and we work hard to ensure it remains a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for people of all ages.”

As a registered charity, BCA relies on income from visitors, donations, grants and the generosity of supporters to care for Buxton Country Park and its network of 9 other community woodlands in Buxton.

The charity spends more than £120,000 every year maintaining the woodlands.

These funds are used to keep paths open and safe, manage trees, protect wildlife habitats, maintain infrastructure and improve access for thousands of visitors each year.

Every act of vandalism diverts precious charitable funds away from conservation, education and improving the visitor experience.

Incidents such as this are not only costly but also disheartening for those who work so hard to protect these special places.

The woodland sculptures are much more than carved timber, says the charity, they have become treasured landmarks that reflect the character of the park and the pride of the local community.

Dave Green, BCA Chief Executive Officer added: “The overwhelming majority of people who visit our woodlands treat them with respect, and we are enormously grateful for that.

“We hope the community will continue to stand with us in protecting these wonderful spaces. Every volunteer, every member, every donor and every visitor plays a part in ensuring Buxton Country Park and our 9 other woodlands remain places where nature and people can thrive together.”

BCA is asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information about how Martha came to be damaged, to contact them or Derbyshire Police.

Anyone wishing to contribute towards the repairs of Martha or contribute towards the ongoing management of BCA woodlands, please consider making a donation online at: buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/donate/