A modern-day hermit watched in tears as the home he'd spent four years building was torn down.

Daniel Pike said he was devastated to see the sturdy, wooden structure demolished - along with his carefully tended garden and 'welcome' sign.

Until last month, the 28-year-old lived in a woodland camp in Merry Hill forest, a 15 minute walk from the nearest road.

READ MORE: Modern-day hermit has been told to leave his house in the woods made of clay.

Daniel Pike served eviction notice.

His remote shack, made from clay, was reduced to rubble and he was arrested for obstructing a court official on Wednesday after a long-running legal battle with the land owners The Woodland Trust.

Mr Pike said: “My life’s work has been destroyed. I cannot believe it. I put everything I had into making my home and now it is a heap of nothingness.

"I am absolutely heartbroken. The trust has acted ruthlessly and had absolutely no respect for my belongings, I was arrested for refusing to get out of my own home.

"I was there for four years with absolutely no trouble. They destroyed everything, the bridge, pathways, my sign destroyed, absolutely everything. I have nothing left."

The woodland camp as it stands now.

Mr Pike, who is currently staying with his mum, said he moved into the woods in Carpenders Park after growing fed up with the pressures of modern day.

Using only materials from the wood, Mr Pike constructed his home from clay harvested from the riverbed and mud.

Years had gone by in relative peace and quiet before the trust realised Mr Pike was there – despite his shelter being visible on Google Earth (below).

Watford Observer:

Bosses at The Woodland Trust said they sympathised with Daniel’s situation.

Speaking on behalf of the charity, Steve Marsh said: “This has never been a personal action against Daniel, but it is a necessary action to protect all trust woods from illegal occupation, no matter what the nature and motivations are for that occupation.

"This could have a disastrous effect on the biodiversity, management and habitat of our woods and therefore the Trust does to allow any occupation in any of its woodlands.

"It is important to take into consideration the impact this type of occupation has on the thousands of other woodland users.”

Mr Pike said now he has had to give up his Robinson Crusoe existence he will get a job and stay away from the woods.

He added: “I’m not sure if I'm excited. But I see it as a new start. I've been busking with my guitar and making songs.”