The Hayden Hide at Paxton Pits is gone. It was burned down after dark last night and was still burning at 05:00 this morning when Karen Hunter (a local dog-walker) called 999. There’s nothing left but the brass plaque.In 1997 the Hayden Hide was won by volunteer Faith Darlow in a competition run by "Birdwatching" Magazine. It was made by Timbergarden and given to Huntingdonshire District Council and is therefore council property. It will cost about £20,000 to replace.
We have made several repairs over the years and last year we used money from the Village Scarecrow Festival to replace the floor.I have asked a well-known hide manufacturer for a quotation and will use that model to get two more quotes for insurance purposes but the process will take several weeks, no doubt.
I will put up signs asking for any information from the public, but if you saw anything suspicious you can call me on 07810 637543 or email paxtonpits@huntingdonshire.gov.uk We think that this was a deliberate act of vandalism.
It is a very sad sight to see, but hopefully we will have a better hide to replace it this autumn.
