A spate of criminal damage and arson offences in Bushey and the surrounding areas has caused growing concern among police.

Police have received reports that there are groups of youths that are gathering, camping, leaving litter and lighting fires in Woodland Trust Orchard and Attenborough Fields.

The trees planted in the Orchard are chosen due to their rarity or by families in memory of a loved one.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “The public are often our eyes and ears and we are encouraging people to report any suspicious activity they may see in the area to us, as soon as they see it.

“We take all reports seriously and will act on any information we receive to help prevent further incidents at the site."

To help protect the Woodland Trust’s natural beauty the police are asking anyone who notices anything they believe to be suspicious or people lighting fires to contact them immediately on 101.