With only a week to go until its departure, the popular Heron Watch trailer in St Albans has been the victim of vandalism.

The trailer, which looks over the lake in Verulamium Park, has had its two back lights smashed by vandals.

Run locally and owned by the RSPB, the Heron Watch offers members of the public a chance to catch a glimpse of the herons on the lake’s island during breeding season.

Mark Brandon, from the RSPB, said: “It is very unfortunate. It’s been very popular, especially with families.”

“Overnight someone damaged and broke them. We don’t know who did it. It’s a real shame.”

Heron Watch also faced hard times earlier this year when the opening had to be delayed due to flooding.

But the upside is that it will be there for an extra week at the beginning of May before its stay ends.

The trailer is set to return next February in time for the herons’ next breeding season when the public will once again be invited to bird watch.