A swan's nest was deliberately set on fire over the weekend.
The reeds the swans have built their nests in at The Lawn pond, Sutton Lawn, Sutton-in-Ashfield were set alight.
A spokesperson for Ashfield District Council stated that: "We believe this was a deliberate attempt to harm the swans.
"The environment team do everything they can to protect the swans, particularly during nesting season. This behaviour will not be tolerated and the police have been informed.
Councillor Samantha Deakin, Councillor for Central and New Cross said: “To hear that there has been a suspected, deliberate attempt to harm the swans is devastating news - especially given the current climate. We are proud of the swans at The Lawn pond and I’m quite frankly disgusted that this has happened.
“We have informed the police who will be stepping up patrols and our environment team is working to make sure the swans are safe. I’d like to repeat that our parks are open for a daily exercise for those living close by. We won’t hesitate to take action against those abusing this.”
Inspector Craig Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have been made aware of this and we will be paying attention to the area as part of our Op Bion patrols.
"Any offenders identified will be robustly dealt with. Anyone with any information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.”
