Northumberland Wildlife Trust does a lot of great work between the Tyne and Tweed rivers, preserving and nurturing nature, while making it more easily available to the general public in ways that can enhance our lives, whilst not harming the wildlife itself. However, over the weekend of the 4 – 5 July, vandals at the Trust’s Big Waters reserve next to Brunswick Village tried to break into one of the hides used for wildlife watching.
The shutter frame was damaged, aluminium sheet and beading ripped off one of the shutters, and the gutter wrenched from the front of the hide.
It seemed clear that after some time the vandals worked out that they couldn’t prise open the shutter. Consequently, they proceeded to trying to drill the lock and prise open the door .
Despite the damage caused Northumberland Wildlife Trust have said the damage will be repaired, but that this will prove costly for the conservation charity.
Geoff Dobbins, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Estates Manager
Northumberland Wildlife Trust Estates Manager Geoff Dobbins commented:
“This is absolutely mindless vandalism especially as there is nothing in the hide to steal! It is particularly alarming because whoever did this, went to the site prepared with tools, including a drill and crow bar to break in.
“At this time of year, the estates staff and volunteers are busy with grass cutting, hay making and practical conservation tasks on many of our reserves, so to have to stop this to repair the damage is taking us away from our work which is very much weather dependant.”
The last thing that is needed
At a time when Northumberland Wildlife Trust is busy with hectic summer season of both increased activity among the wildlife in the area and increased visitor numbers and when they are putting on so many great events for the public, then this just about the last thing they need.
You can learn more about one of the great events that Northumberland Wildlife Trust are putting on here and you can help them to overcome the vandalism by donating here .
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