VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds of damages to a woodland planted in east Durham to mark the Queen’s Diamond jubilee.

A series of attacks at Coal Hill Wood, near Thornley, has prompted managers at the Woodland Trust to appeal for people to help catch the culprits.

The repeated vandalism culminated in several hundred tree shelters being destroyed. An entrance gate, fences, gates posts and a planted hedge were also damaged.

Gary Haley, Woodland Trust site manager, said: “It’s devastating to have to deal with such mindless vandalism, especially as the trees were planted by volunteers to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“As a charity this has cost us both money and staff time, as well as destroying volunteers’ hard work.

“The damage caused amounts to about £2,000. I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

Addressing the culprits, he said: “If you are local people you are destroying your own area.

“Communities like this need investment and for people to come along and do positive things and then for this to happen. 

“ If you are then going to destroy something like this, which was created for your benefit, then you are only shooting yourself in the foot really.”

Mr Haley said problems had begun soon after work began on the 12 hectare site. On one occasion vandals smashed tree shelters along a strip - right through the freshly-planted saplings.

In another incident material belonging to sub-contractors was set alight.

PCSO Amanda Jepson from East Durham Constabulary, added: “In Durham constabulary we take anti-social behaviour very seriously and by working with partners and adopting a problem-solving approach we have reduced anti-social behaviour significantly over the last year.”

Coal Hill Wood is one of ten new woods created by the trust as part of its project to mark the Diamond Jubilee. Over 350 acres of new woodland is being created on land owned by Durham County Council. More than 25,000 trees have already been planted.

The trust and Durham Constabulary are appealing for information to help track down the vandals responsible for the damage to the Jubilee Wood.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.