VANDALS have been condemned for wrecking part of a newly-completed nature conservation project in Ellesmere aimed at safeguarding endangered bees in north Shropshire.

A column of wood designed to create a safe haven for solitary bees alongside the mere at Ellesmere was demolished at the weekend, just only days after volunteers had finished building it.

Nectar-rich flowering plants around the log-pile were flattened during the weekend attack which has been described as ‘mindless’.

But a large willow sculpture of a Wood Carder Bumblebee, which forms the centrepiece of the ‘bee metropolis,’ was left undamaged.

The project has been carried out in partnership with the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, a voluntary art group which has developed popular sculpture trail through Cremorne Gardens and around other parts of the town, including the wharf and canal.

A spokesman for the sculpture group said: “It’s disappointing and disheartening when a worthwhile project like this is subjected to totally mindless vandalism.

“Whoever caused this damage clearly cares nothing for the hard-working efforts of those dedicated to enhancing our mere, safeguarding its wildlife and encouraging more visitors to come and enjoy the delights of this beautiful place.

"We can but hope that whoever was responsible will come to learn the importance of community schemes like this, which benefit everyone.”

First erected seven years ago, the eye-catching creation called the Lone Bee, had recently been restored by environmental artist Caroline Lowe from Llanymynech after being removed from the site 18 months ago because of weather damage.

Volunteers working with Shropshire Council’s countryside team have re-installed the artwork last week, with fresh planting around the area to develop the right conditions for bees to thrive amid extensive beds of cornfield annual flowers and perennial wildflower beds.

New information boards have been placed around the area, giving visitors more details about the project, the different varieties of bees and the flowers they rely on for survival

Shaun Burkey, Shropshire Council’s countryside and heritage sites manager, (north), said he was determined that the vandalism wouldn’t undermine the aims of the project.

He said: “The idea is to raise awareness of the plight of our bees, show people that there are different types of bees and encourage everyone to do their bit to protect them by planting nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, thyme, borage and phacelia into their own gardens.”