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Signs attacked by vandals at nature trail
A popular beauty spot has been targeted in a bizarre attack in which every single information board has been vandalised.
Volunteers have spent years making Park Wood, off London Road, Waterlooville, into a nature trail.
But they were stunned to discover that hand-made signs giving information on the history and wildlife of the woods were sawn off.
The vandals even cut off a sign with the name of the woods.
Volunteers are baffled by the vandalism, but think it is more likely to be an organised attack than mindless youths.
The cost of the damage to the seven signs runs to more than 2,000.
Pete Hodges, chairman of Friends of Park Wood, which has been looking after the woods since 2000, said: 'It all seems very odd.
'In my experience you may get a bit of vandalism, but for someone to actually go round and remove every single sign is very peculiar.'
Mr Hodges said the damage would have taken some muscle power as some of the signs were solid oak.
All of the signs disappeared, apart from one which was found dumped in a ditch.
Mr Hodges, 52, of The Brow, Widley, said: 'It's annoying because the group has put so much work into it for years and now to have this vandalism. It's the first time we have ever had vandalism.
'You wonder if this is the start of something or if someone has something against us.'
The volunteers are now hoping the Woodland Trust, which leases the land from Havant Borough Council, will be able to help provide more signs.
'We might have to put up steel signs now, which is not great for a woodland,' said Mr Hodges.
Waterlooville police have been investigating and have promised to patrol the area regularly.
Neil Miller, spokesman for Hampshire Police, said: 'This is a mindless act of criminal damage.'
The vandalism took place between March 20 and March 22. Anyone with information should call 0845 045 45 45.
WOOD LINES
The wood is a remnant of the ancient Forest of Bere which used to cover the Waterlooville area.
It is home to more than 50 plant species.
The wood was bought in 1910 by Dr F E Beddow, a Portsmouth City Councillor, who built Park Wood House and an ornamental woodland. The estate was given to Southampton University when he died in 1953.
The university leases the land to Havant Borough Council, which sub-leases the land to the Woodland Trust.
Dr Beddow's estate also helped fund Beddow library, in Milton, Portsmouth.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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