Vandals have been sneaking into a Fife community garden and swatting its bees, risking a swarm.
Canes uprooted and strewn around the hive suggest those responsible have either tried to hit the insects or poked at their hive.
Those behind Buckhaven Community Growing Space, where gardening activities are held for children, said the actions were “insensitive and stupid”.
They were among a spate of thefts, fires and vandalism which has beset the CLEAR Buckhaven group, which established a nursery, heritage orchard, allotments and polytunnel in the former play park.
Bob Taylor, chair of CLEAR Buckhaven, said: “Unfortunately, we have some kids who are coming in and causing a nuisance and some limited damage.
“They have taken some of the canes out of the garden and it looks like they have been trying to swat the bees as they have been coming in and out of the hive.
“The worry is that if the bees are disturbed too much they will swarm. They could leave the hive.
“We can see where the kids are coming into the garden and we are trying to restrict their entrance there.”
In recent weeks, the group has also had two large slabs, which were to be erected as an archway in College Street, and an electric bike stolen and gates at its new growing space in Methil kicked in.
Fires believed to have been started deliberately during the dry weather spell have also struck areas it maintains at Church Street and Ness Brae.
Mr Taylor said: “We are having to be very vigilant.
“I would urge parents to make sure they are aware of where their kids are, especially during the evenings.”
Buckhaven Community Growing Space is maintained by a group of volunteers and hosts regular horticultural events, sessions and training for volunteers and local schoolchildren.
CLEAR Buckhaven aims to improve how Buckhaven looks and feels by planting shrubs, vegetables, flowers and orchards.
