Vandals damage protected reserve

Skylark chicks were seen hours before the vandals struck

Vandals have put the lives of chicks in danger by cutting down a fence designed to protect a breeding ground.

The fencing on Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, part of the Pagham Spit in West Sussex, was destroyed hours after the hatched chicks were discovered.

West Sussex County Council said the ground-nesting birds may now be scared from nests and accidentally trampled.

A spokesman said they may have to put up a stronger fence to protect the ringed plover and skylark chicks.

The site of special scientific interest is also home to rare lichens, plants and invertebrates as well as birds.

A spokesman said: "Unfortunately because of what has happened we may be forced to consider using other types of fencing instead of the less obtrusive posts and wire that had been vandalised.

"Some very young ringed plover and skylark chicks were seen in the exclusion zone hours before this took place.

"We fear that they will be unlikely to survive the visitor pressure."

Anyone with information about the vandalism has been asked to contact the county council.