‘Heartbreak’ as Walsall woodland badger sculpture damaged by ‘senseless’ vandals one month after installation

A wooden sculpture of a badger in Walsall has been damaged in what the borough council called a “senseless” act of vandalism.

The “beloved” badger sculpture was only installed on July 10 at the entrance to the new Reedswood Woodland Walk in Birchills. 

Walsall Council said it was part of a wider effort to “enhance Reedswood Park’s natural beauty and accessibility”, alongside resurfaced paths, new steps and opening up woodland previously affected by litter and anti-social behaviour.

A photograph of the sculpture, shared today (August 8) shows the sculpture with its snout broken off.  

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We’re heartbroken to share that the nose of our beloved badger sculpture – installed just last month at the entrance to the new Reedswood Woodland Walk – has been broken off in an act of vandalism. 

“This senseless act undermines the hard work and community spirit that went into improving the park for everyone.”

Reacting to the news on social media, dozens of members of the community expressed sadness – if not surprise.

“Absolutely gutting, my little one has his picture taken with it every time he goes to the park,” wrote one mother on Facebook.

Someone else added: “Lovely to see it the other day, unfortunately my first thought was how long is it going to last? This is Walsall.”

One commenter wrote: “Sadly, it was inevitable given society these days, we can’t just have nice things to admire any more.” 

“You have been instrumental in improving the park with investment. Sadly, the minority spoil it for the majority. We keep moving forward,” wrote another.