A CHARITY is facing a bill of more than £2,500 because of visitors leaving litter and broken glass sprawled across a beauty spot.

Lake Wood, near Uckfield, has seen an increase in litter and vandalism due to a rise in summer outings and camping at the site.

Visitors have even been throwing rubbish over a 20 foot cliff into the lake below. A boat had to be hired to fish debris from its depths.

The Woodlands Trust, who take care of the woods, said the vandalism has flared up during the summer months as the number of visitors to the site has increased, particularly in the evenings.

Hollie Anderson, from the Trust, said: “It has escalated to the point that we needed the boat to fish out all the litter. It is a real shame.

“We’ve now reached a point where we can’t just keep clearing up after people, we have to ask people to be more responsible and look out for us.

“We don’t want to be kill-joys and we want people to go our woods, but when they’re leaving broken glass behind and are throwing litter into the lake, it becomes detrimental to the environment.”

The lake overflow pipe has also suffered extensive damage which caused the water levels to drop.

The pipe emergency work is expected to add another £1,000 to the charity’s summer’s bill.

Damaged safety fencing also needs to be replaced, at a cost of a further £1,500.

Campfires at the site have scorched the soil. There is also the danger the flames may spread, especially with the lack of rain.

The trust is now asking visitors to take their rubbish home with them and report any vandalism they see to the police.

David Bonsall, site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “Lake Wood is a stunning location, and is a precious habitat that we at the Trust have worked hard to safeguard and restore.

“We don’t want to see it ruined by mindless individuals.

“I’d urge anyone who sees damage being done to contact ourselves and local police.

“Any help people can offer by litter picking during their walks is very much appreciated.”

Lake Wood is a celebrated beauty spot, with ancient woodland, rock outcrops and a lake.

The 19 acre site is filled with a variety of tree, shrub and wildflower species and features a cave-like boathouse.

It is also home to dormice and almost 60 species of bird, including kingfisher and heron.

Any reports of vandalism can be sent to the Woodlands Trust by emailing wopsmail@woodlandtrust.org.uk. Alternatively call the police.