THE public may be denied access to the viewing hide at Tewinbury Nature Reserve near Welwyn, after a series of attacks by vandals.
Fires have been started, guttering ripped down and smashed and door handles wrenched off, costing the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust up to £500 a time in terms of lost staff time and material damage.
The trust's reserves manager Steve Marshall said: "We will take restrictive action if this sadly turns out to be the only way we can protect our reserve and its wildlife."
Benches have even been forced through the viewing windows, dumped into the lagoon and left on top of the hide.
Chairman of the trust's Welwyn and Hatfield group David Laming said: "This hide has always been left open to the public in the hope that it provides some pleasurable and peaceful moments to those genuinely interested in wildlife.
"Patience is often rewarded by the sightings of kingfishers and many other creatures that live in and visit this refuge, so it's a shame that just a few thoughtless people have to spoil it for everyone."
October 26, 2001 15:12
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article