Arson probe as fire destroys hide
AN ARSON investigation is under way after a nature reserve’s viewing hide was destroyed by fire.
Workers at Mere Sands Wood were devastated after the “cruel and pointless” blaze burned down the 20-year-old Cyril Gibbons hide.
Firefighters were sent to the Rufford nature reserve at 5pm on Sunday, by which time major damage had already been caused. The fire could be seen from miles around and the hide was reduced to charred remains.
Two fire engines were sent to the reserve and the cause of the fire is under investigation but believed to be suspicious.
A joint investigation with Lancashire police has been launched.
Tim Mitcham, director of conservation at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said the fire was all the more cruel as it came at a time of excitement surrounding the planned opening of a new visitor centre.
He said: “The robustly built Cyril Gibbons hide was a lovely place to observe nature, and was certainly the best hide to view great crested grebes and to slow the pace of modern life. Someone has decided that they will destroy one of our most popular and tranquil hides and, heartlessly, put a dampener on what is a period of joy and celebration.
“I cannot understand their motives; this is just a pointless attack which will affect the enjoyment of the locally community.”
The attraction has been open almost 40 years and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Preparations are being made to refurbish the new visitor centre building, which was delivered in December and will feature a cafe, staff accommodation and meeting rooms.
Mr Mitcham added: “The hide was funded by the kind donations by
Cyril’s family in the 1980s and our new visitor centre has been made possible by donations to a fundraising appeal by people who love Mere Sands Wood and other fundraising.
“Of course it will be difficult to ask people to dig deep and support us again, but that is what we will have to do.”