Rebuild starts on nature reserve after arson attack

Work has begun to rebuild a lakeside nature reserve damaged in an arson attack last summer.

A wooden boardwalk, bins and information boards were destroyed at Clophill Lakes in Bedfordshire on 2 August 2025.

The Greensand Trust, which manages the reserve, has raised almost £100,000 to repair the damage.

Jon Balaam, director of development at the trust, said, "It was shocking when it happened but the community response, the visitor's response and support, has been fantastic."

At the time, Bedfordshire Police said it believed the fires were caused deliberately and "sadly caused a significant amount of damage".

Bedfordshire Police, which attended the incident, told the BBC: "Despite extensive investigation and house to house inquiries, officers have been unable to identify a suspect.

"We continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward."

As part of the rebuild, the trust will also install new security measures.

Balaam added: "There will be CCTV. It's really sad.

"But it would be irresponsible of us not to do something to ensure we were as best protected as we can be in future."

It is thought work to build a new boardwalk and replace damaged signs will take some weeks, although the trust said it hoped the site would reopen to the public for the Easter weekend at the beginning of April.

Clophill Lakes contains the Scheduled Monument of Cainhoe Castle, with its associated moated site, fishponds, and field systems.

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