Kent Wildlife Trust says damage by fires and abuse of staff at nature sites 'the worst they've even known'
06:00, 05 June 2020
updated: 08:04, 05 June 2020
Wildlife trusts across Kent have been "battered" by vandalism and fires as thousands of people took advantage of the warm weather in the last few weeks.
As lockdown measures were lifted and the sun hit the county a number of nature reserves have reported behaviour on their sites and abuse to their staff as "the worse they have ever known".
The Kent Wildlife Trust revealed many of their sites were left with devastating fires across wild areas due to portable barbecues being used, birds nests and rare plants being disturbed by people and dogs.
The trust also said antisocial behaviour, including littering, going to the toilets outdoors and vandalism was a big issue at their sites which is resulting in a lot of damage to the reserves and the wildlife which lives there.
It has already had to deal with serious infrastructure vandalisation at its Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve as well as a wildfire on its Sandwich and Pegwell Bay reserve, which destroyed fragile wildlife and killed hundreds of reptiles.
Other incidents have included broken windows, litter, fly-tipping and people blocking roads near the nature reserves.
The trust has said it is struggling with the scale of the problems, especially with the "severe" financial impact the coronavirus pandemic has placed it under - with the charity estimating a £600k - £800k loss in income.
"Lockdown does not mean that the crisis that nature faces is on hold."
Director of conservation Paul Hadaway said: "We want people to enjoy nature and green spaces, but our reserves are fragile places which are critical havens that provide protection for our most vulnerable wildlife.
"At what is already a very tough time for us, we have sadly seen vandalism, fires, fly-tipping, littering to name a few of the issues and as a charity we pay the cost, draining the resources that should be invested in our vital conservation work to protect wildlife.
"Lockdown does not mean that the crisis that nature faces is on hold, wildlife is still in serious decline and needs our help and protection.”
“We own and manage these nature reserves and as a charitable organisation we have always provided free access to the public, but we urge the public to please show respect for our nature reserves and enjoy them responsibly.”
Chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett, added: "The Wildlife Trusts have more nature reserves than McDonald's has restaurants in the UK, but our precious wildlife sites are bad places to hold a barbecue.
"These wonderful wild places are vital local havens for people to enjoy with family and friends, to walk, rest and see nature. Our natural heritage is priceless and so important for us all - for our health and happiness - but it is fragile.
“We’re appealing to everyone to love and look after it. Everyone is welcome but please respect our wild places, other visitors and people who work there.”
The charity is asking people to look after wildlife at their sites by respecting their nature reserves, avoiding using barbecues and fires, taking all litter home, keeping dogs on leads, parking considerately, not going to the the toilet outdoors and avoiding trampling sensitive wildflower meadows, as well as asking visitors to smile at staff and be friendly.
Just a few days ago, police were called to the Darland Banks nature reserve after an alleged assault.
A teenager was treated for a minor facial injury after police were called to Hempstead Road in Gillingham. One man who lives nearby said he believes incidents of anti-social behaviour have been on the increase since lockdown.
