Helen Wilson, who runs Little Puddle People forest school on a nature reserve in Fulwood, Sheffield, has described as "heartbreaking" the latest act of vandalism at the site, where yoga mats, fancy dress items and hammocks used by children were ripped up and scattered through the woodland. The independent school provides nature-based learning, including crafts, yoga and wildlife identification, for early years and children with special educational needs and disabilities, and Wilson said the incident caused significant "stress and upset" even though the financial cost was not her main concern.

Wilson, 35, only discovered the damage after a resident posted about it on social media, and said toolboxes had been broken into, canopy fixtures and glass smashed, and wooden pallets left with exposed nails. South Yorkshire Police said no report had been made to them. It is not the first such incident: trespassers caused repeated damage between December and February, previously destroying books and rainbow scarves kept on site, forcing Wilson to change what items she leaves out. She and her children spent the day clearing up, hoped to resume sessions on Thursday, and said messages of support from the community had lifted her spirits.