Trees covering the equivalent of 14 tennis courts of land have been cut and poisoned at Castle Cove, decimating important habitat for native animals.

A mayor on Sydney’s North Shore says she wants the person responsible for illegally destroying hundreds of trees jailed.

“They’ve also poisoned many species … including really old trees like a Sydney Red Gum or angophora that was 80 to 100 years old, so it’s really disheartening.”

Ms Hayden said there had been other incidents of tree vandalism in Castle Cove in recent years and the fines were not a deterrent.

One said they saw people with torches walking through the bushland at night.

“The fines would have to be very, very high to discourage people, but I think when it’s as serious as this jail has to be an option.”

Councils can issue a maximum on-the-spot fine of $3,000 for illegal tree removals by individuals or $6,000 for businesses.