MORE than £1,000 of damage has been caused to a Yate woodland used to educate the public.

Ridge Wood now faces being closed to the public following the vandalism over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Fencing recently put up to help plants grow, was vandalised, wires were cut and posts were pulled out of the ground.

The Friends of Ridge Wood and South Gloucestershire Council, which both manage the wood, are now worried for the future of the flora sanctuary.

They say their management agreement could be cancelled by owners Hanson Aggregates if the vandalism continues and the woodland could be closed to the public.

It is believed the main cause of the damage is people riding mountain bikes and motorcycles through the wood.

Council spokesman Mat Rees said: "The fencing was recently erected to help ground flora recover from the continued use of mountain bikes and motorcycles in the woodland, which are not permitted."

He said if bikers carry on ignoring the ban the public will suffer.

Mr Rees said: "It could result in the closure of the woodland for public access. "This could mean the end to many hugely successful public awareness and education events over recent years.

"These include the successful owl prowls and bat walks, which have attracted more than 100 people at each event."