Dyfed Powys Police present cheque for Pwll Penarth to MWT's Rob Haigh © MWT/Tammy Stretton
Community Support for Vandalised Nature Reserve
Local school children and Dyfed Powys Police are helping restore a Nature Reserve near Newtown which was hit by vandalism in the summer of 2015, resulting in broken windows and damage to the bird hides.
Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve, which is managed by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT), is home to a variety of bird species, including Little Grebe and Teal, who use the lake for feeding and breed on the islands in safety. The site is also a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers and walkers.
The students of Penygloddfa Primary School in Newtown often visit the reserve to enhance their studies and were upset by the vandalism. They wanted to help and decided to hold a cake sale which raised £216.60 to fund repairs.
In addition, Dyfed Powys Police have offered their support to help restore the bird hide. “PC Vicky Barnes contacted MWT regarding the vandalism and suggested we apply to the Police Mutual Community fund for support” said Liz Lewis Reddy, Living Landscapes Manager for MWT. “Although we were unsuccessful in our overall application, we have been given a £20 voucher for B&Q from the fund plus £200 from Dyfed Powys Police for community projects to spend on repairing the damage the vandals have done”.
We all want our youngsters to be inspired in a positive way and we must not let the minority of people who cause vandalism prevent this from happening.
PC Vicky Barnes, Neighbourhood Policing Officer said
“When I discovered that the reserve had been hit by mindless vandalism such as smashed windows and graffiti to the bird hides I felt that this was a worthy cause that needed help with rectifying the damage which would allow the community to once again enjoy Pwll Penarth. We all want our youngsters to be inspired in a positive way and we must not let the minority of people who cause vandalism prevent this from happening.”
“Acts of vandalism costs money to repair, prevents other people from using facilities and can cause permanent damage. I can reassure the community that police are, and will continue to patrol the area and anyone found causing vandalism will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Pwll Penarth is one of twenty nature reserves managed by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. If you would like to get involved with their management as a volunteer, call 01938 555654 or email vols@montwt.co.uk.