A new pond dipping platform worth tens of thousands of pounds at Skylarks Nature Reserve has been burnt to the ground.
The handicap accessible platform was recently revamped for over £10,000 as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund project.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believes that the damage was caused ‘by vandals’ on Monday (October 31) evening at a ‘popular area for dementia sufferers, school groups and local faith groups.’
Staff and volunteers from the Trust were said to be “left feeling annoyed, upset and horrified” at the discovery of the burnt down platform.
Skylarks Assistant Reserve Officer, Kate Last said: “It’s just mindless vandalism. Even the rocks had cracked from the heat from the fire.
“I doubt whoever was responsible realises the impact it has had on the staff, volunteers and the wide variety of local community groups that have enjoyed the facilities here.
“The area has had to be cordoned off as the surrounding damaged mature trees are now dangerous and will need to be felled.
“The trust just does not have the resources to take on this extra management work.”
The Wildlife Trust say that no monetary cost can be put on the damage this will have done to the wildlife and water quality.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believe an accelerant was used which produced an acid smell still noticeable days later in the area.
Michael Walker of Nottinghamshire Bat Group and an avid user of the platform said: “The platform was perfect for viewing bats feeding across the water of an evening. It will be much missed.”
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust would like anyone with information about the incident to contact the Police on 101 siting the crime reference number 160 003 517 13
Notts Police were unavailable for comment.
