WILDLIFE Trust chiefs have launched an appeal to raise funds to build two new bird hides on the Teifi Marshes at Cilgerran after again falling victim to a spate of vandalism.

The Wildlife Trust of South West Wales needs to raise £15,000 to put up the structures on the popular nature reserve.

Back in March, the Curlew Hide which overlooked the River Teifi and was one of the most popular hides with local people was burnt down in what staff are convinced was an act of vandalism.

Since then, the Mallard Hide, another popular bird-watching shelter on the reserve has also been vandalised twice.

“Wooden panelling on the walls was smashed, holes made in the roof, shutters torn off and interpretation display boards broken,” said a spokesperson for the trust.

“Although this damage has been fixed the hide is old and tired and is in dire need of replacement.

“After much deliberation and research we have decided that to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again we would need to look at a better, more robust and vandal proof design of hide."

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