Frustration is growing in Bradford on Avon after 100 trees were vandalised just a three months after volunteers finished planting them.

Leo Wirtz, senior countryside ranger for Wiltshire Council, is appealing for help after three incidents at Barton Farm Country Park where yobs tore up stakes supporting young saplings and used them to start fires.

The Plant a Tree for Bradford scheme was a joint effort between Climate Friendly Bradford and Wiltshire Council that oversaw the planting of 870 trees at the country park between November 2008 and February this year. The vandalis struck on May 25, following incidents on May 6 and 7.

Mr Wirtz said: “What is most disheartening is that we went up there with a community group of volunteers to replace about 30 or 40 or so of them and when we went back a few days later the same ones were pulled out.”

Richard Craft, chairman of Climate Friendly Bradford, said: “It is very sad that there are people around that are willing to spoil the efforts of local people.”

Anyone who spots vandals in the park can call police on 0845 408 7000 or Mr Wirtz on 07990 611138.