CONSERVATIONISTS have been devastated after arsonists burned down a hut used by volunteers to monitor a rare colony of little terns.

Vandals destroyed the Little Tern Hut at Crimdon beach, near Blackhall Rocks, east Durham, between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Niall Benson, of the Durham Heritage Coast partnership which manages the site, said: “The hut has been completely burned to the ground.

“It is a mindless act of vandalism and is desperately disappointing.

“We have a hut there for the about last 14 years and that one was replaced just last year with external funding we fought for long to get.

"It cost £3,500 to put up and and another £1,500 to resite it.

“It is not just the physical loss. It was used by volunteers and wardens, so visitors to the site could learn more about it, particularly about the little terns that return every year from west Africa to breed.

“It also lets people know that the site is managed during busy periods and to tell people what is special about the place, so that people know to keep their dogs under control and that sort of thing.

“And it's not just about the birds. It’s about that wider environment too. It is a focal point and makes the place more enjoyable for everybody and safer.”

Mr Benson added: “Because it was bought with funding we cannot get it again. We need some time to get a new one.

“What is heartwarming is that we have already had offers of help.

“We will be working hard to make sure we have something in place for the new breeding season and for the longer term. We are not going to give in.”

While this is the first time the hut has been targeted, vandals and thieves have targeted the bird colony before.

Last summer vandals with dogs trashed 50 out of 80 nests at the colony.

In June 2013 it was feared the little terns would not come back to the site after 50 eggs from 65 nesting pairs were taken.

Little terns, which are on the red list of endangered species started nesting in Crimdon in the in the mid 90s. They return to breed every May.

Durham Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating a case of arson at Crimdon Dene, where the new Little Tern Hut, which was erected last year, has been burned to the ground.”

  • Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101 and quote DHM-15012018-0044.