RECENT storms have caused massive damage to the RSPB site in Sandy and all public events have been cancelled. A survey of the site has revealed the extent of the aftermath of the high winds and over 100 trees have been lost. The cost of the damage is like

RECENT storms have caused massive damage to the RSPB site in Sandy and all public events have been cancelled.

A survey of the site has revealed the extent of the aftermath of the high winds and over 100 trees have been lost.

The cost of the damage is likely to run into several thousand pounds with contractors having to clear the fallen trees and many others having to be inspected to see if they have been so seriously damaged they are now dangerous and might have to be felled.

The biggest losses have been mature Douglas firs and Scots pines that were between 60 and 90 years old and massive oaks that were 150 years old.

Most of the trees that came down at the height of the storm were in a small block on the estate. Another area that was badly affected was a line of tall trees on the border of the RSPB plantation along the B1042 road between Sandy and Potton that thankfully fell into the woodland and not across the road.

"When we looked out from our office tree after tree was being blown over. Trees even came down across the drive of the lodge so we had to stop people coming in," said RSPB site manager Peter Bradley.

"Some were actually being blown apart by the strong wind. It is a great shame because we have already carried out a major clearing operation of many trees and we hadn't planned to lose any more.

"It is the worst damage we have had here since the great storm of 1987."

Contractors have been clearing trees and logging them ready for sale or use on the RSPB site for fencing and other uses.

"We are working hard to clean up the site as soon as possible," added Mr Bradley.

Wildlife on the RSPB site also managed to escape unscathed with no reports of sheep or deer that forage in the woodland being injured.