This was the scene that greeted volunteers who run the Foss Fairy Tale in York yesterday (Sunday).
A large bug house, which took two years to complete, was destroyed in a fierce fire that had been started deliberately.
The founder of the trail told YorkMix of her fears the flames could have spread – while police said the vandalism had caused “a great deal of anger”.
Tracy Ostle, who is chair of the trail, was alerted to the fire yesterday afternoon.
She was shocked at what she saw. “It was dangerous,” she told YorkMix. “Those flames were horrific.”
Firefighters arrived quickly, having navigated to the scene via the nearby hockey pitch, and put out the blaze.
Tracy had been worried the fire could spread. “There were loads of families and kids down there. If it had gone up, gone over the cycle track, there are houses around there.”
Sadly the bug hotel, created by volunteers to encourage insects and other wildlife, was burned to the ground.
‘I don’t understand them’
The Foss Fairy Trail features small fairy houses dotted along the river in Heworth and is hugely popular with families. But it has been beset by vandalism, which has been getting worse since June.
Tracy said she called Sunday’s fire “the centenary” as it was the 100th incident of deliberate damage at the trail.
She was certain it was vandals as they had also ripped up a nearby bench and a planter.
“I don’t understand them. I don’t think anyone does,” she said. “Everyone normally goes down there and they have a lovely time. Then you get someone like this minority who are just set to destroy stuff.
“I just find it very sad. Instead of destroying things, why don’t they come and help?”
Tracy is now hoping to source some wood chippings, bricks and roof tiles to create something new and less vulnerable on the trail. If you can help you can contact Tracy on tracy.vmax@yahoo.co.uk.
The incident was reported to police at 3.06pm on Sunday.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A large bug house on the trail was allegedly set on fire by a group of youths which had to be put out by firefighters.
“Those responsible have caused a great deal of anger and upset.
“The Neighbourhood Policing Team is carrying out patrols in the area while our enquiries are ongoing.
“Witnesses or anyone with information should contact the Force Control Room on 101, option 4, or pass details to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 12240139974.”