Charity says fires at Clophill Lakes nature reserve were 'arson'
The trust said there had been several fires at different parts of the reserve.Its chief executive, Gill Welham, estimated repairs could cost at least £100,000. "Yesterday, I was just trying to console all our volunteers, staff and visitors - who are just devastated," she said."The site had been doing well, people were taking such great care of it and had worked so hard to get it open."It is having a huge effect on on everyone."For those who find access a little bit more difficult, and are maybe getting on a bit or have push chairs, that boardwalk provided a means to be able to take a really nice short walk in such a wonderful environment."
Ms Welham still encouraged people to still visit Clophill Lakes, which remains open, saying that even a visitor "buying a cup of coffee" would help it recover."We are not a rich charity. "We're going to have to work really hard to raise the money but we're determined," she added.
At Clophill, lakes and wetlands surround the remains of a Norman castle.
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