Vandals chop down trees, strip their bark and set them on fire in Musselburgh woodland estate

A significant amount of damage has been caused within a woodland estate in Musselburgh as vandals chop down trees, strip them of their bark and set fire to their bases.

Magdalene Woods, within the grounds of the Newhailes National Trust Estate, was targeted by vandals this week.

Magdalene Woods, within the grounds of the Newhailes National Trust Estate, was targeted by vandals this week who destroyed a number of trees, leaving them requiring remedial work.

Trees were chopped down, some had their bark stripped off and others had fires set at their bases which caused significant damage to their trunks.

Furthermore the vandals caused damage to a section of wall and dug large holes for the purpose of creating ramps with the dirt, which were then used as mountain bike tracks.

The bark was stripped off trees and the bases of some were set on fire within the estate.

PC Hughes from the Musselburgh Community Policing Team is appealing for witnesses in relation to the damage.

A similar but less serious incident was reported last weekend when a secure compound within the estate was broken into.

During the break-in a tractor was seriously damaged, but police say the most recent incident is of more concern to them, as parts of the woods are now deemed dangerous and will require remedial work to make safe.

To try to prevent further damage community police patrols will be carried out regularly in the area.

Magdalene Woods, within the grounds of the Newhailes National Trust Estate, was targeted by vandals this week.

Police are appealing to members of the public who walk in the estate to report any suspicious activity they may have seen as soon as possible.

Similarly, if anyone has any information in relation to the damage caused to the woodland you should get in touch with the police.

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