AIR rifle thugs have been slammed after shooting rare birds at a nature reserve for 'target practice'.

Police said the men put at risk the lives of families enjoying Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve, Colne, who could have been hit by a stray pellet.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said it was a 'particularly shocking example of vandalism against some of our best loved wildlife'.

And members of Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve Group have condemned the attacks, saying they felt disheartened and angry.

Police were called to the nature reserve on March 23 and April 5 when passers-by saw men lying on the ground shooting at bird tables in the reserve.

When approached by a member of the nature reserve group, the thugs told him they were practising target shooting.

It is also feared there have been other unreported incidents.

The nature reserve is known for its varied wildlife including goldfinches, bullfinches, treecreepers, woodpeckers, sparrows, roe deer and badgers.

Bullfinches and sparrows are becoming rare and have been placed on the red' for high risk list of current conservation concern.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds regional spokesman, David Hirst, said: "Birds such as goldfinches and woodpeckers are some of our most popular birds and it is very sad to hear of incidents where potentially illegal activity by a few individuals risks spoiling the pleasure that many people enjoy by watching wildlife.

"With only a few exceptions, all wild birds, their nests and eggs receive protection under UK law and the Police and courts take offences against wild birds very seriously.

"Anyone found guilty of an offence against wild birds is liable to face a fine of up to £5000 and in the most serious cases to a custodial sentence of up to six months.

"This sounds to be a particularly shocking example of vandalism against some our best-loved wildlife."

Dave McQuillan, trustee of Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve, told how he discovered two men in their 30s shooting the birds.

He said: "I was walking through the reserve when I heard a large number of shots.

"I went to see what was happenening and saw two men lying down on the ground shooting at the bird tables using hi-tech air rifles.

"They had poaching bags with them. I didn't ask them what they had in them but I believe they contained dead birds.

"When I confronted them they said they were practising target shooting.

"I escorted them off the grounds before calling the police.

"I couldn't believe that people would want to come into such a beauty spot and try and destroy the haven for the animals we have worked hard to create."

In recent years the reserve has been subject to a number of attacks. Wooden bird tables had to be replaced with steel versions to thwart vandals.

The Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve Group has 70 members who raise funds for the conservation of the park and have fought for £20,000 of funding from Pendle Council to improve the area.

Mr McQuillan added: "We have been working hard trying to raise money to protect these animals and these men are trying to spoil our enjoyment and that of future generations.

"It is very disheartening for incidents like this to happen."

Community Beat Manager for Vivary Bridge, PC Emlyn Parry said they sent officers to the scene after each report but that the yobs had fled.

He said: "It is not only wildlife that could be endangered as the footpath is very popular with walkers and familes. It only takes one missed shot for someone to be seriously injured and then we would be looking at a much more serious offence."

Matt Whyte, park keeper for Colne area for Pendle Council, said the behaviour was 'mindless and cruel'.

He said: "The park keepers regularly patrol the nature reserve, and are keeping an eye out for anyone carrying air rifles.

"We'll report anyone we see to the police."

The men are described as white, in their 30s wearing casual clothes and with one wearing a bomber jacket.

Anyone with information about the attacks or to report someone shooting birds contact police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.