A CONIFER tree thought to be more than 50 years old has been stripped of its bark by vandals.

Worthing Borough Council say the tree Highdown Gardens has been left exposed to disease and pests, with the damage believed to have been deliberate.

A sharp object was used to strip the trunk and branches on the final weekend of May.

The council, which manages the gardens, recently received £1 million from the National Lottery fund in June last year to regenerate the eight-and-a-half-acre beauty spot.

Councillor Vicki Wells, cabinet member for the environment at the council, said: “We are hugely saddened that somebody has deliberately damaged one of the historic trees at Highdown Gardens.

“Highdown Gardens is there to be enjoyed by everyone, not just now but in decades to come.

"Deliberate damage to any of these trees is completely unacceptable as it can cause disease and premature death.

"Importantly, deliberate damage is a criminal offence and those found guilty will face legal action.

"So if you see anyone damaging any of these trees, please report it.”

The chalk gardens have been managed by the council since they were handed over for the benefit of people in the town more than 50 years ago.

Situated in the South Downs countryside between Durrington and Angmering overlooking the sea, the gardens are free to visit.

They are home to The National Plant Collection of the plant introductions of Sir Fredrick Stern - a unique collection of unusual plants and trees to be discovered all year round.

A council spokesman said stripping a tree of its bark denies it access to vital nutrients and lessens its natural protection from animals and the elements.

He said: “The damage has potentially exposed the tree to disease and pests with the damage believed to be deliberate as the exposed trunk and branches were engraved by a sharp object, while footsteps were also found at the base.

“Stripping a tree of its bark denies it access to vital nutrients, while also lessening its natural protection from both animals and the elements and denying it the chance to grow branches and putting the tree under great stress.”