DOG walkers have accused vandals who attacked trees of “taking the oxygen out of the atmosphere”.

They were shocked to see a line of five young trees pushed over in Merton Fields, near St Philip Church, Stratton, this week.

Mary Hodgson, 73, questioned whether the vandals understood the important part trees played in pumping oxygen back into the air.

Asked what she would message she would give them, Mary said: “Teach them the value of trees – that they put oxygen into the atmosphere.

“Would they like to live in a place with no oxygen? That’s the bare bones of it. They’re taking the oxygen out of the atmosphere.”

Mary added: “We have lost a number of trees over the years, but this is the worst incident we’ve had in one night.

“The parish council looks after that area.

“They rebuilt the flower beds, but they’ve left one field in the park go wild, because there are bee orchids.

“They have been snapped off at the heartwood.

"They’re lying on the ground. We know the age groups that did it.

“It’s just so sad. It’s sheer vandalism.

“We’re all very upset. We all walk our dogs on there. We’re jealously guarding the bee orchids.”

Mary walks terrier Socks on the green every day.

A large community of dog walkers use the park daily: “It’s not anger we feel about the trees, it’s sadness .”

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council worker David Goodall told Swindon Link: “I’m angry because it’s me who’s got to pick up the pieces.

“I take pride in this parish, and what I do, and I just get kicked in the teeth.

“Soon we’re going to run out of plants – people just keep nicking them.

“The council has spent thousands on planting flowers and trees here, it’s ridiculous.

“One morning when I came, two daisy patches had been nicked – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

“It’s the glass as well – we can’t come here every day to clear it up.

“These yobs are costing the council thousands – they break into the bins, set fire to them, and smash them.

"There’s a reason a play set hasn’t been put here.”