RSPB Rainham Marshes has reopened the Shooting Butts hide to the public after vandalism on April 22 which damaged the interior space, windows and accessible lift.
Photos shared by Essex Police at the time showed smashed windows and broken glass littering the hide’s doorway, with overturned stools on the floor behind.
The damage to the Shooting Butts hide in April(Image: Essex Police)
RSPB Rainham Marshes site manager Phil Hutton called it “some of the worst vandalism” the reserve has seen, but said he is “very pleased” the hide is now back open.
READ MORE: RSPB Rainham Marshes boss: Site ‘not going anywhere’
He said: “Seeing the support and dedication of our volunteer team, visitors and local community to tidy, repair and eventually reopen the hide has been inspiring.
“We are incredibly grateful for this support and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the hide.”
A spokesperson for the RSPB has said that, following the vandalism in April and a “few other instances”, security remains on site at the reserve.
Both visitor staff and volunteers helped carry out the repairs, and Kent-based firm Canterbury Lifts offered to give a donation when fixing the lift.
The Shooting Butts hide is one of four at RSPB Rainham Marshes, which allow visitors to view birds around the wetlands, such as owls, spoonbills and lapwings.
