VANDALS struck at a stunning Herefordshire nature reserve over the Easter weekend.

The rolling green meadow at Joan's Hill Farm Nature Reserve in Checkley has been damaged by fires, which have been mindlessly lit in the beauty spot.

Shredded cans, broken glass and other debris were also found scattered about the meadow, which is home to grazing cattle for part of the year.

The litter has been carefully cleared by field staff, but it is not just the scenery of the site which has been scarred by their actions.

Now owned and managed by conservation charity Plantlife, the traditionally managed meadowland was, until relatively recently, part of a working farm.

Divided into 14 fields with one parcel of woodland, it retains the same boundaries as it did 300 years ago and supports a host of native wildflowers.

From cowslips and common sorrel to the more unusual dyer's greenweed, so named for its historical use in producing pigment for dyes, the impressive greater butterfly orchid, and the glorious indigo green-winged orchid, a diverse range of wild flora is protected at the site.

And the damage from the fires is likely to impact the plant life at the site for many years to come.

Joan's Hill Farm reserve manager said: “My heart sank to find such ugly scar seared into such a beautiful meadow, and so needlessly too.

"It will take years, perhaps decades, for it to heal properly and to recolonise with its myriad of flowers – perhaps up to 30 species in this patch alone. "We’ve removed most of the rubbish that was left behind, but I still worry that livestock might be at risk if fragments of broken glass have been missed.”

The charity wants to remind people of the countryside code and is asking anyone who may have any information to contact police on 101.

For more information about Plantlife, their work and reserves,

visit the Plantlife website here.