Vandalism preventing Herts wildlife charity’s conservation work
The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have had to focus their efforts on arson, damage and dumping responses
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has warned that repeated acts of vandalism across its nature reserves are hindering crucial conservation efforts and placing a financial burden on the charity at a critical time for wildlife and climate recovery.
Earlier this year, a fire at Tewinbury Nature Reserve, near Welwyn Garden City, destroyed a timber bird hide. The blaze was caused by vandalism, and the Trust has since constructed a new hide to replace it. While some materials from the old structure were salvaged, the rebuild still required significant investment.
Anna Daniels, Senior Reserves Officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “We have salvaged what we could of the old timber hide but there has still been a considerable cost involved in constructing a new hide. This act of vandalism has also resulted in many hours being diverted from what we should and want to be doing – managing and protecting the habitats on our reserves so that wildlife can thrive within them.”
Chloë Edwards, Director of Nature Recovery at the Trust, added: “Vandalism on our nature reserves has far-reaching financial consequences, which sadly impacts on our ability to act for wildlife.
“We are living in one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries and with one in six species at risk of extinction, we need to put every penny and every minute into restoring nature and bringing back our lost and declining wildlife.
“People suffer too – our nature reserves offer tranquil spaces in which to connect with nature. We know this is important for wellbeing so when vandalism takes that opportunity away, it’s a lot more than just damage to a structure. It’s soul destroying to have to put time, funds and energy into fixing issues caused by what are usually completely mindless acts.”
The incident at Tewinbury is not isolated. In January 2025, garden waste was dumped at Hertford Heath Nature Reserve, an act that can spread invasive species, alter nutrient levels in the soil, and damage existing plants and wildlife. In March, the boardwalk at Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserve near Hitchin was vandalised. The damage required immediate repairs and part of the structure remains closed for safety reasons. Around the same time, the reserve’s entrance sign and fencing were graffitied.
In an effort to deter future vandalism, the newly constructed hide at Tewinbury features a simpler, single-storey design with an open back. It is wheelchair accessible and includes a new viewing screen overlooking fen and swamp habitats, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of wetland wildlife including Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Tufted Duck, Swift, mayflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
The Trust is encouraging the public to report vandalism to the police by calling 101 or online via: https://www.herts.police.uk/ro/report/rwc/rural/report-rural-crime/