Young yobs have been targeting an award-winning nature reserve.

Pedlars Wood is visited by hundreds of wildlife lovers each year.

But now vandals have smashed up a handbuilt oak bridge and filled up a pond with wood ripped from borders.

Nature worker Pam Garrad, who spearheaded the restoration of Pedlars Wood on the Walton-Frinton border, declared: "I am sick to death of it."

Mrs Garrad, who owns the land, added: "For myself and my voluntary work party it seems such a pointless act.'

After the last attack on the ornamental bridge, Mrs Garrad said she had "had enough" and was not going to replace it.

Strips of wood taken from the surround and borders to paths have been uprooted and twice piled up in the pond.

It is believed youngsters are to blame.

The police have been made aware of the vandal attacks and the wood is now being patrolled.

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002