Friends of Ballard Water Meadow chair Bob Lord hits out at thieves who dug up snowdrops from the New Milton beauty spot

A NEW Milton conservationist slammed thieves who dug up a patch of snowdrops from a town beauty spot.

This was the latest in a series of theft and vandalism incidents at Ballard Water Meadow.

But Bob Lord, who chairs the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow, told the A&T its members would overcome such acts.

He said the 20-25 snowdrops at the main entrance to the meadow and woodland were a popular feature as they heralded the start of spring.

“Clearly not everyone has respect for this little gem of a place or its wildlife,” Mr Lord said.

“Once again, as happened two years ago, someone has stolen our largest clump of these cheerful plants by digging them up leaving an empty, bare patch of soil on the woodland floor. Who could be so cruel?”

He stressed the Friends volunteers take great pride in managing and maintaining the site on the town council’s behalf.

This “often physically demanding work” was to ensure best conditions for both the wildlife and visitors.

Extolling the health benefits of such work, he shared the group’s hope that these were extended to others.

Mr Lord continued: “It is extremely disappointing and disheartening for the volunteers, that one or two very selfish and uncaring people, living locally we assume, don't subscribe to a ‘sense of place’ and all the benefits being out in the countryside and surrounded by wildlife can bring.

“The Friends of Ballard Water Meadow are well used to the selfish, negative actions of a few.

“We've had theft of wood and petty vandalism in the past, but we're stalwart and know that what we are doing is for wildlife benefit and for others to enjoy.”

He added: “The benefits our actions bring to the volunteer members and wildlife far outweigh these small bumps in the road."