Pictures: Strange discovery as mystery caravan found dumped in South Hams woodland

A mysterious abandoned caravan has been dumped in a Devon woodland, with recent signs of habitation still inside.

The metal-shelled caravan has suffered significant damage and appears to have possibly been pushed off the vehicle that was carrying it to the secluded spot.

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The caravan has been left in an isolated location, prompting surprise and concern from the landowners.

While the woodland is privately owned, the caravan has been left partly on a bridleway used as a public footpath, meaning local authorities have responsibility for its removal.

South Hams District Council has already visited the site and attached abandoned vehicle notice stickers, stating that the owners have 28 days from 6 March to remove it.

The caravan contains signs suggesting it may have been used relatively recently, with items including picture frames, tools and a cup having been ejected when it appears to have smashed onto the ground.

Inside, cushions remain, along with containers holding items such as lentils.

The woodland is near Gara Bridge in the South Hams and includes a popular signposted walk.

One of the landowners, who did not want to be named, said they were first alerted to the caravan’s presence by a neighbour.

“We think we know how it entered the woodland because we found evidence of part of the caravan having been smashed as it hit one of our trees,” she said.

“After that, it seems to have then been pushed into our wood pile, as it is dented on one side.”

The landowner, who has owned parts of the woodland for around 30 years, said there had been previous instances of fly-tipping, but nothing like this.

“We’ve had a pile of tyres dumped that we haven’t reported, and one day we’ll get rid of them. 

“On another occasion, a builder dumped a trailer full of rubbish where the caravan is now, but they returned to pick it all up when they were identified as the person who had left it.”

The landowner said that while the caravan had been left in an isolated spot, it could have been much worse.

“We’re just thankful they didn’t get it over the edge of the bank near where it has been left, because it would have been almost impossible to retrieve,” she said.

“It would have gone over the bank, which is so steep, so it is better where it is.”

The landowner said she had been pleased with the council’s response so far, with members of its environmental health team appearing to visit the site to place the notices on the caravan.

South Hams District Council was contacted for comment but did not respond.