TWO party-goers who attended a rave that decimated a wildlife haven admitted the organisers had made a mistake with the choice of location.

More than 2,000 people attended the event at Denge Wood, near Waltham, at the weekend.

But the pair, who only wanted to be known as Sam and Lou, suggested the Forestry Commission should have signposted the area as being especially sensitive.

They also called on the Commission to come up with suitable locations for raves where there would be minimal damage.

Sam said: "We are disappointed by the reports of the damage. We didn’t know this area was a nature reserve otherwise we would have avoided it. It would help if there were signs put up.

"Party-goers are encouraged to pick up their rubbish and take it home with them and that usually happens.

"But I think this one just got out of hand and there were too many people."

Lou, who is studying music technology and sometimes DJs at parties, added: “The fact is that these parties will happen because we like holding them in the woods and it would be much better if we could work with the Forestry Commission to find the best locations.

"The equipment could then be set up in daylight and the whole event better managed.

"Our experience is that these areas do regenerate and the animals, which move away when they hear the noise, return."

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