They took to social media to comment on the theft, which is illegal under Crown Law.

Ros Runciman said on the The Dungog Common Recreation Reserve Trust Facebook page that the beautiful old logs were works of art on the ground and offered habitat for critters. 

“If you know who else is taking wood then warn them the trustees already have a number of names and will not tolerate more precious habitat being taken,” she said. 

“Please keep in mind that it is illegal to take wood from the common.

“We know it has been the accepted way to gather winter fire wood but under Crown Law regulations it simply is not allowed.”

Kate Murphy said it was “selfish” of someone to have taken the wood.

“Old hollow logs lying on the ground provide essential shelter and habitat for all sorts of native animals, reptiles and insects… Until some selfish person with a chainsaw decides to cut it up and take it away,” Ms Murphy said.

She urged people to spread the word about the incident and be on the lookout for the missing wood.

“If someone offers to sell you firewood or hollow nesting logs please ask them where it came from,” she said.

“Please help us to protect this amazing area and its flora and fauna for all the community.”

The Dungog Common Recreation Reserve Trust formed in late 2014 to manage and care for the Dungog common. 

The Trust is made up of seven trustees who aim to encourage the use of the common by locals and visitors.

People who take firewood from the common illegally could face fines of up to $7750 as well as imprisonment. 

Do you have something to say about this incident? Email your thoughts to dungog@fairfaxmedia.com.au.