MINDLESS vandals have endangered wildlife inhabiting a Winyates Green nature reserve by deliberately starting fires and destroying an entrance gate.

Conservationists at the Ipsley Alders Nature Reserve were horrified to discover last Wednesday (July 13) that thoughtless thugs had ruined the centre's feature kissing gate.

The gate provides access the reserve and importantly, prevents cattle grazing there from escaping.

There was also evidence of fires started deliberately at the Ipsley Alders Drive reserve, which is owned by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT).

WWT conservation officer Andy Harris said: "It really is dispiriting to see the damage that has been caused to the reserve. We are lucky no cattle escaped onto roads to injure themselves and cause accidents.

"Ipsley Alders is a fantastic site which local volunteers help to manage to create a rich wildlife haven and which is used and appreciated by so many local people. It only takes a few irresponsible individuals to threaten this."

The reserve is a rare fen wetland, rich in wildlife, wildflowers, dragonflies and bird-life.

Mr Harris added: "The Wildlife Trust will have to repair the damage and continue with the help of volunteers to care for this valuable nature reserve in the town. We would ask the local community and visitors to support us by reporting any suspicious activity immediately to the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08457 444 888.