New Stryt Las Park Signs to Protect Wildlife in Wrexham 2026

Key Points

• I hope you notice that new warning signs will be installed at Stryt Las Park in Johnstown, Wrexham after incidents that involved swans and other wildlife.
• These signs are part of Wrexham Councils response to reports of behaviour towards birds at the park and I think it is a good step.
• North Wales Polices Rural Crime Team is investigating reports that young people used catapults and threw stones at birds around the ponds at Stryt Las and this worries me.
• Police say that killing or injuring birds is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it can lead to up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of £5,000, which is a serious penalty.
• This investigation is part of Operation Lakeshot, a partnership initiative that responds to a growing trend of wildlife crime involving catapults according to police. I support this effort.
• Wrexham Council had previously said Wrexham Council was considering signage and possible camera surveillance at the park and I hope this will help protect the wildlife.
• Wrexham Council also prepared posters that encourage the public to report behaviour and give contact details for organisations that can help with injured birds and I appreciate this outreach.
• Earlier in 2024 Wrexham Council raised concerns about swans at Stryt Las after children were reported to throw stones and distress the birds and I am glad the council is acting.
• Members of the public are asked to report behaviour or deliberate harm towards wildlife to North Wales Police on 101 using the forces online reporting form or anonymously, through Crimestoppers and I encourage everyone to do so.

Wrexham (Wales Times) November 05, 2026 — New warning signs are to be installed at Stryt Las Park after reports of incidents involving swans and other wildlife, while North uk/police/">Wales Police investigates allegations that young people targeted wild birds with catapults and stones.

As reported by The Leader, the signs are intended to help protect wildlife at the Johnstown park after a series of concerns about antisocial behaviour towards birds. The development follows a police appeal for information about reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the park’s ponds.

Why Are Warning Signs Being Installed at Stryt Las Park?

Wrexham Council said it was looking at measures to help protect birds at Stryt Las Park after receiving reports of antisocial behaviour towards wildlife. Officers visited the area following concerns about an injured swan, although the council said an injured bird could not be located during its most recent visit.

In a statement reported by WalesOnline, a council representative said:

“While we were unable to locate the injured bird during our latest visit, we are aware of broader reports concerning antisocial behaviour towards birds in the area, and we are evaluating what further steps can be taken.”

The council said posters were being prepared for display around the area to encourage members of the public to report incidents of antisocial behaviour and to provide details of organisations that could assist where there were concerns about an injured bird. The latest announcement that warning signs will be installed represents a further step in that response.

What Have Police Said About the Incidents?

The North Wales Police Rural Crime Team said it was investigating reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the ponds at Stryt Las, Johnstown. The force said it was working alongside Wrexham Council wardens and appealing for information that could help identify those responsible.

In a statement reported by North Wales Live and carried by other outlets, the Rural Crime Team said: “The NWP Rural Crime Team is investigating reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the ponds on Stryt Las, Johnstown.”

Police added: “Working alongside WCBC Wardens, officers are appealing for information that could help identify those responsible.” They asked anyone with information to contact North Wales Police through 101, the online reporting form on the force’s website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Could Those Responsible Face Prosecution?

Police warned that killing or injuring wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. According to the Rural Crime Team statement, the offence can result in up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.

The warning was issued as part of Operation Lakeshot, which police described as a partnership initiative responding to a growing trend of wildlife crime involving catapults. Police said such weapons were being used to illegally kill and inflict “catastrophic injuries” on waterfowl, including swans, geese and ducks, as well as gulls, wood pigeons and other wild birds.

The force said these offences often occur in public spaces around ponds, lakes, rivers and canals. It also said that, while those responsible were frequently aged between eight and 15, incidents linked to Operation Lakeshot had expanded beyond waterways, with birds targeted from building roofs, lampposts, trees and car parks, often in areas where members of the public were present.

What Action Has Wrexham Council Considered?

Before the confirmation that new signs would be installed, Wrexham Council said officers were assessing practical measures, including enhanced signage and the potential for camera surveillance overlooking the park. As reported by The Leader, the council had previously said it was exploring additional signage and the possibility of camera coverage.

The council’s earlier statement said it was aware of wider reports of antisocial behaviour towards birds at the site and was considering what further action could be taken. It encouraged anyone who witnessed antisocial behaviour or deliberate harm towards wildlife to report the incident to North Wales Police via 101.

WalesOnline reported that council officials were investigating the potential installation of a surveillance camera overlooking the park, alongside notices encouraging the public to report incidents. The council statement quoted by the outlet said:

“Our officers are assessing what practical measures can be implemented, including enhanced signage and the potential for camera surveillance.”

Have There Been Earlier Concerns About Swans at the Park?

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the treatment of birds at Stryt Las Park. In August 2024, Wrexham Council reported that it had received accounts of children throwing stones and causing distress to swans at the park.

At that time, Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council and local member for the area, said: “The swans are always a welcome sight in the park but recently there’s been incidences of children throwing stones and generally causing distress to the birds.”

Cllr Bithell added: “I’d like to remind everyone that swans are protected, as are all birds in the UK.” He also appealed to parents to make children aware of the protection afforded to the birds and of the pleasure they bring to visitors, saying the matter had been reported to the local policing team and that further incidents would be investigated.

Earlier in 2024, Wrexham.com reported that an injured swan and a dead bird were found at Stryt Las Country Park. The outlet reported that the incident had been reported to police and that council rangers were liaising with the RSPCA and police to investigate further.

What Is Stryt Las Park Used For?

Stryt Las Park is a country park in Johnstown with surfaced pathways around the area, where visitors can look out for a giant newt sculpture and watch waterfowl. Wrexham Council’s park information describes the site as a place for visitors to explore and observe birds around the water.

The council has previously asked visitors not to feed ducks and swans at the park. In earlier statements about maintenance work at the pond, the council’s ranger said feeding the birds encouraged them to become less fearful of people, making them more vulnerable, particularly to dogs.

What Happens Next at Stryt Las Park?

The installation of warning signs is expected to make the protected status of wildlife and the consequences of harming birds more visible to park visitors. Police continue to appeal for information about the reported incidents around the ponds, and officers are working with council wardens as part of the investigation.

The council has not been reported as saying when the signs will be installed or precisely what wording they will carry. It has, however, previously confirmed that it was considering enhanced signage and potential camera surveillance as part of its response.

Background of the Development

Stryt Las Park has been the subject of repeated wildlife-protection concerns. In July 2024, Wrexham.com reported that an injured swan and a dead bird were found at the country park, with the incident reported to police and council rangers liaising with the RSPCA.

In August 2024, Wrexham Council issued an appeal after reports that children had thrown stones at swans and caused them distress. The council said the matter had been reported to the local policing team and that further incidents would be investigated.

In September 2026, the council confirmed that officers had attended following concerns about an injured swan and that it was aware of wider reports of antisocial behaviour towards birds. It said it was considering further action, including enhanced signage and potential camera surveillance.

In November 2026, North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team confirmed it was investigating reports of youths using catapults and throwing stones at wild birds around the Stryt Las ponds. The force linked the response to Operation Lakeshot, its partnership initiative addressing wildlife crime involving catapults. Shortly afterwards, The Leader reported that new warning signs would be installed at the park.

How Could This Development Affect Park Visitors and Local Residents?

For families, dog walkers and other regular visitors to Stryt Las Park, the new signs are likely to make clear that disturbing, injuring or killing wild birds can lead to police action and prosecution. Visitors may also see more emphasis on reporting concerns, with the council’s posters intended to direct people towards North Wales Police and organisations able to help injured birds.

For parents and guardians in Johnstown and the wider Wrexham area, the police investigation and council response highlight the importance of explaining that swans and other wild birds are legally protected. Cllr Bithell previously made a direct appeal to parents to ensure children understood this protection and the distress caused by stone-throwing incidents.

For local residents, the presence of warning signs, council wardens and a police investigation may increase awareness of wildlife crime around the ponds. Anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour or deliberate harm towards wildlife can report it to North Wales Police on 101, through the force’s website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.