Dismayed volunteers who have spent years maintaining a popular meadow have vowed to carry on with their hard work after trees were cut down and wood was stolen from the site.

Lowestoft Journal: Trees have been felled and stolen from Bonds Meadow.Trees have been felled and stolen from Bonds Meadow. (Image: (C)archant2015)

Police are investigating after more than 10 trees were cut down from the community wood in Bonds Meadow recently.

Situated between Sands Lane and Hall Road in Oulton Broad, Bonds Meadow is described as 'a beautiful seven acre wildlife area' which is enjoyed by many people.

Margaret Martin, secretary of the volunteer Bonds Meadow Community Association, said: 'The site has been maintained for over 25 years by the association, who have worked hard to make Bonds Meadow what it is today – so we are sad to report that someone has been felling trees and removing wood.'

One of the trees to have been cut down was a 20-year-old alder tree.

Last autumn Waveney Norse carried out some authorised tree felling.

However since then the thefts have been carried out and now residents are being encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to police, particularly if they see trees being targeted or hear chainsaws.

Mrs Martin said: 'Logs, which had already been felled and were intended for use as wildlife habitat and to make muddy paths passable, were also taken. We are very upset about it.

'It is possible people just don't realise the bigger picture – that this area is not just an area of unused open land.'

The dedicated group meets on Tuesday mornings. More volunteers are always welcome to join.

Mrs Martin added: 'Our main duties include keeping pathways accessible, planting trees and wildflowers, clearing out ponds, litter picking and removing invasive plant and tree species. These activities are all vital in keeping Bonds Meadow the species rich area it is today.'

A police spokesman said: 'More than 10 trees were cut down and stolen from community wood in Bonds Meadow between Friday, December 19 and Monday, January 19,' Contact the Lowestoft North Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 if you have any information.

? For more about the group, call 01502 514157 or visit www.bondsmeadow.org

? Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk or call 01502 525833.