A newly-planted woodland in Stevenage's Fairlands Valley Park has been "subject to mindless vandalism", with young trees pulled up and canes and guards damaged.
The project to plant around 4,000 trees in the Southfield of Fairlands Valley Park has been a community project led by Stevenage Borough Council, with school pupils from the town helping to plant a mixture of tree species throughout December and January.
A spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: "Unfortunately, the newly-planted woodland has been subject to mindless vandalism.
"Some trees have been pulled up, and the canes and guards have been damaged. This is a real shame – the trees were planted with the help of the local community, including schools, and it's supposed to be a place for everyone to enjoy.
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"Despite the damage, the woodland is starting to come to life and most of the trees are beginning to show leaves. We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to look after the woodland, including our volunteer wardens.
"If you have any information regarding this incident, please let the police know, quoting crime reference number 41/33202/23."
The woodland is the largest planting of new trees the council has ever undertaken.
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