Community appeal launched after Monkton Woodland wrecking spree

A public appeal been launched to fund repairs after a sickening vandalism spree at the much-loved Monkton Community Woodland park.

The park in Hebburn, which was formerly a cokeworks, is now home to an array of woodland paths, 30,000 trees and shrubs and wildlife habitats for rare birds and butterflies. It is a popular space for families, dog walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Monkton Community Woodland is owned by the Land Trust charity and managed on its behalf by Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle charity, which relies on the dedication and goodwill of community volunteers to help the green space to thrive.

That hard work has been trashed following a recent vandalism spree, discovered on Saturday 12 March, that led to a 20ft bird watching screen and feeding equipment being destroyed and planks of wood smashed to pieces.

Police are currently investigating and anyone with information relating to the criminal damage is urged to get in touch with them. Meanwhile, the Land Trust and Groundwork are calling on the community to rally round and dig deep to help fund repairs which are likely to cost in excess of £2,000.

Alan Carter, from the Land Trust, said: “The community has embraced Monkton Woodland Community Woodland and I’m sure everyone is disgusted with mindless and destructive acts of vandalism that spoil everyone’s enjoyment of the park.

“As a charity operating on restricted funds and reliant on the time and effort of volunteers, the cost of repairing this damage will be a challenge and we hope the public and local businesses will be able to help us in raising funds. Any help would make a positive contribution – not only to the park but to the different generations of people who benefit immensely from visiting the woodland.”

If you would like to donate money to repair the damage, please contact https://www.justgiving.com/thelandtrust . Alternatively, email enquiries@thelandtrust.org.uk or call 01925 852005.