A TREE trail constructed by residents in a quiet Huntingdonshire village was destroyed by vandals within 24 hours of its being planted. About 30 trees with supporting stakes were planted along Ford End in Hail Weston on Sunday, February 3, as part of

A TREE trail constructed by residents in a quiet Huntingdonshire village was destroyed by vandals within 24 hours of its being planted.

About 30 trees with supporting stakes were planted along Ford End in Hail Weston on Sunday, February 3, as part of the village's first biodiversity project. By the following evening 20 stakes had been damaged and a handful of trees had been ripped from the ground.

Hail Weston parish councillor Cindy Couzens told The Hunts Post the damage was an act of mindless vandalism. She added: "Hail Weston is fortunate, as acts of vandalism are rare and overall this damage has little financial implication. However, it has deeply saddened the people who have worked so hard to achieve and implement this project."

Despite the setback, residents grouped together to repair the damage caused by the vandals.

Cllr Couzens added: "We were all really disappointed, but we have bounced back and we have now planted even more trees."

The residents hope the ongoing project will provide an avenue of trees including, lime, oak and beech, for people to enjoy as they walk, cycle or drive along Ford End.

"Introducing a simple management regime, together with additional planting, could result in the village having something special and of interest, a documented tree trail for people to enjoy for the next 50 to 100 years," she said.

Tony Bolton, one of the co-ordinators of the construction of the tree trail, said: "Within the village, and driven by the parish council, there is a real sense of pride and commitment to our village and surrounding environment. Our biodiversity project on the Ford End is something we want to establish for present and future generations to enjoy.