A County Durham nature reserve has been left facing a costly clean-up bill after burglars smashed windows and ransacked offices during a break-in.
Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, in Bishop Auckland, revealed that two people broke into the visitor centre building at 9.08pm on Sunday evening.
The break-in damaged internal doors, smashed windows and left the Durham Wildlife Trust office “pulled apart”.
The destruction left behind at the Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre. (Image: LOW BARNS NATURE RESERVE)
Little was stolen because no cash or valuables are kept on site overnight.
(Image: LOW BARNS NATURE RESERVE)
But the trust says the break-in has taken a heavy emotional and financial toll on staff.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Low Barns Nature Reserve said: "We are very sorry to share news of another break-in at Low Barns Nature Reserve.
"At 9.08pm on Sunday evening our visitor centre building was broken into by two individuals.
"Internal doors were damaged, glass windows were smashed and the Trust's office pulled apart.
(Image: LOW BARNS NATURE RESERVE)
"Thankfully, very little was stolen, as nothing of value is stored at Low Barns, with no cash left on the premises overnight."
The trust said staff were “upset and disappointed”, while repairs, cleaning and higher insurance premiums diverted money from conservation work.
The statement continued: "The clean ups, repairs and higher insurance premiums all take time and money away from caring for nature."
Images released by the reserve show shattered glass and the wreckage inside the visitor centre.
A spokesperson for Durham Wildlife Trust said: "It is really frustrating for our team to have to take time out of our vital work for wildlife to deal with mindless incidents such as this.
"The cost to put things right far outweighs what was taken, as there are no items of value nor any cash left in the building.
"As usual, we have been overwhelmed by the response we have received from the community and would like to thank those who have contributed to our fundraising appeal."
Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)
The charity urged local residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity around the reserve to police.
Low Barns will remain open as normal despite the break-in.
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The reserve said: "We will keep our heads up and keep on with our good work, not letting the destructive actions of a few dishearten us.
"Low Barns will be open as usual for the community."
The incident follows a previous burglary at Low Barns in December 2023, when items were taken from the visitor centre and police appealed for information.