Vandals target bird hides at nature reserve

Suffolk Wildlife Trust said four of its hides had been damaged over a period of a couple of months

A wildlife trust says bird hides at one of its nature reserves have been repeatedly vandalised.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust said four of its hides at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, near Lowestoft, had been targeted over a period of a couple of months.

Suffolk Police said it was aware of the incidents and the rural crime team was investigating.

Hugh Braidwood, engagement and visitor operations manager for the trust, said: "We experience it every year, we have spikes in the holiday periods and the antisocial behaviour is an issue we always receive."

The reserve's hides had hate symbols burnt into the wood and noticeboards and window stays torn off, the trust said in a statement on social media.

Mr Braidwood said it was "double-edged sword" how accessible the nature reserve was, with people being able to visit at any time.

The trust said wardens and volunteers had spent hours clearing up the damage

He said the Moorings Hide had been particularly targeted, with its window panes being broken on Sunday.

Mr Braidwood said the trust had received "an overwhelming amount of support" with local businesses offering to help fix the damage.

"It has angered a lot of the community, but I really think it is bringing people together and showing how special this place is to so many people," he said.

The trust said it was looking into CCTV and other security measures for the reserve

Mr Braidwood said the trust was looking at security options for the reserve including private security and CCTV.

"That is all at a cost and as a charity we want to put as much resource into the conservation and the land and the engagement with visitors," he said.

The trust is asking for contributions to help repair and protect the reserve.

The force said no arrests had been made.