Two fruit trees which were planted to honour babies have been damaged by vandals in Shotley.

An apple and a pear tree, which were recently planted as part of Babergh's Trees For Life scheme, were damaged in the attack on the community orchard behind the village hall.

Hopes damaged pear tree will survive (Picture credit: Shotley peninsula Nub News)

The vandalised trees were discovered by Viking Project chairman Ian Peters who had gone to water three new trees in the community orchard, which were planted on behalf of parents in the village at the end of March.

Mr Peters said: "Unfortunately two older trees, a Concorde pear and a Clopton Red apple had the tops broken out of them.

"The pear may survive as it has two small branches with leaves but the apple was split down the centre of the plant and there are no leaves at all.

"I've pruned it back to solid wood and thought I'd see if it produces any buds and subsequent branches over the summer.

"It's very dispiriting - these trees have been nurtured since they were planted out in 2020 and 2021 and had begun to look good.

It is a setback but hopefully an isolated incident.

"In the eighteen or so years that Viking Forest Project has been established we have experienced minimal unwanted attention to our trees and I hope that those responsible may reflect seriously upon their actions."

Ian Peters (Picture credit: Shotley peninsula Nub News)

Babergh's environment portfolio holder Elisabeth Malvisi has asked the public realm team to look into the incident and give tangible support.

A Babergh spokeswoman added: "We have been made aware of possible vandalism to trees planted as part of our Tree for Life scheme, located on land behind Shotley Village Hall. 

"Our team is investigating, and we will work with the landowner as required to help however we can.

"The vandalism of any tree is upsetting, particularly when we are working so hard to increase biodiversity across our district, whether through tree and hedgerow planting programmes or our much-loved Tree for Life scheme for new parents."

Babergh's Tree For Life Scheme presents parents with a tree to plant a tree either in their own garden, or a dedicated community area, such as the one behind the Shotley village Hall and can be used to mark the arrival of a new born, on behalf of an adopted child, or as a remembrance tree.

Go to Babergh's Tree For Life Scheme page to apply here...

Vandalised apple tree now pruned back (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)