Vandals destroy nature reserve's accessible garden

A planting area and wooden animal sculptures were burned over the weekend

Vandals have destroyed an outdoor nature classroom for people with additional needs and set fire to the animal sculptures there.

Staff at Lancashire Wildlife Trust were called to a fire at Pan's Garden in Brockholes Nature Reserve, near Preston, and found a planting area and leaf and animal sculptures had been burned over the weekend.

The woodland area is an accessible space where people can learn about the wild plants and creatures at the reserve as well as being used for mindfulness sessions to help people who may have issues with mental and physical health.

Education manager Katie D'Arcy said: "It is so sad that this has been spoiled."

The woodland area is an accessible space where people can learn about the wild plants

"The space ensures that as many people as possible, can engage with and enjoy everything that wildlife offers, when visiting Brockholes," she said.

The garden has also been used for growing plants and other wild activities.

It will be closed until the area has been made safe, the trust said.