A SUCCESSFUL bird ringing project on the outskirts of Portishead has become the target of theft and vandalism.

Numerous poles, nets and other equipment used by bird watchers at Portbury Wharf nature reserve have been stolen or broken, leaving staff and enthusiasts devastated.

A bird watching group has been ringing birds in the sanctuary area of the site to help build up detailed records of their behaviour.

Trust warden, Bernie D’Arcy, said: “Bird ringing is an invaluable way of understanding the species that use the nature reserve and we are deeply saddened that vital equipment used in this process has been broken or removed.”

The vandalism comes at a time when bird records at Portbury Wharf are soaring and rare species such as redstarts and Cetti’s warblers have been ringed.

Bernie added: “We won’t let this dishearten us, but we do ask anyone who is walking on the reserve to keep their eyes open for unusual behaviour and report it to me or to the police.”