The creator of a children’s play area has vowed not to be beaten by vandals who destroyed wood carvings and fairies decorated by local children, at the Fife beauty spot.
Derek Davidson, who created the woodland trail and fairy garden at Lochore Meadows Country Park during the coronavirus lockdown, said he is disgusted after a number of carvings, fairy houses and other features were vandalised at the weekend.
Mr Davison’s woodland project, which first started to appear in May, quickly caught the imagination and support of surrounding communities, with scores of children and families adding their own creations to the site.
It was so popular, a fundraising drive to expand the trail amassed more than £2,000 in donations in just a week
The damage has brought widespread anger from the local community but Mr Davidson has been overwhelmed by the public’s support, urging him not to give up on the venture.
He said: “It’s so disappointing to have such destruction to the amount of work that has gone into the trail by so many people, especially by so many youngsters.
“Since the trail started we’ve had competitions for children to get involved and get creative.
“I made a load of nesting boxes for local kids to decorate as they wish and the interest was phenomenal.
“Local youngsters have also painted over 130 fairy doors as well as hundreds of wooden fairies and rocks to decorate the trail.”
Mr Davidson said the damage caused by vandals is the latest and worst in a number of incidents since the trail was created but vowed to defy those intent in spoiling the new attraction.
“We’ve got some really exciting plans that we’ll be unveiling in the next few weeks and so much more that the community can get involved in so we won’t be beaten by a few idiots,” he added.
Local councillor Lea McClelland said: “I was utterly appalled by the news that vandals had struck at what has become a very popular and much loved community asset.
“I’d urge anyone to keep supporting Derek’s work and that of the local children who have worked so hard to create the wonderful additions to the trail.”
