VOLUNTEERS maintaining a beauty spot were shocked to discover the worst spate of vandalism the area has seen for "many years".

Youths stole and discarded a bird box housing nesting nut hatch, stripped a tree of its bark and dug a trench at Harnham Water Meadows around Easter-time.

Five boys armed with shovels were stopped as they tried to enter the private fields, off Town Path, on April 13, one day after the damage was first reported.

A Harnham Water Meadow Trust volunteer found the beginnings of a camp next to the river with ropes swings attached to 300-year-old trees.

Before this, a trench was filled in by volunteers but the boys returned the following day.

Salisbury Journal: A tree was stripped of its bark.A tree was stripped of its bark. (Image: Newsquest)

When the volunteer responsible for the bird boxes came to inspect them he realised two were missing, one of which contained the only nut hatch species in the Meadows.

These boxes were never recovered so it is assumed the babies were also killed and their mother may never return to nest in the area.

Managing trustee John Hunter said the charity is "irritated" by the children's behaviour, adding: "It’s a saddening feeling that people are so thoughtless about it.

"It causes work for volunteers who are giving their time and energy to make this a good place and we’re being sort of slapped round the face. It’s more than disappointing."

Salisbury Journal: John Hunter is sad about the damage caused to the meadows.John Hunter is sad about the damage caused to the meadows. (Image: Newsquest)

The series of vandalism was "the most serious" the charity had seen "for many years" but it has not been reported to Wiltshire Police because Mr Hunter felt it was "kids playing around" before he found out about the bird boxes.

"When they come and upset our day to cause us work that’s one thing but taking bark off a tree and removing bird boxes in the nesting season, that is when it’s a bit much for us," added Mr Hunter.

A 19th century wooden hatch paddle, which controls water through a sluice, was also stolen and must be recreated using the only other paddle still in use across the 83 acres of water meadows.

The main objective of the small charity, of around 20 active volunteers, is to protect and preserve the delicate and unique environment for generations to come.

The Harnham Water Meadow Trust relies solely on grants and donations, Mr Hunter said: "When you have got very limited funds, to have to spend money when you shouldn’t need to is very frustrating."

For more information about the trust visit salisburywatermeadows.org.uk.