Kentish Express Ashford & District
Wildlife sites being abused by visitors
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.
After lockdown measures were eased, a number of nature reserves have reported anti-social behaviour on their sites and abuse to their staff.
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 littering and vandalism had become a big issue at its sites, resulting in damage to the reserves and wildlife.
It has already had to deal with serious vandalism 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.
Director of conservation Paul Hadaway said: “We want people to enjoy nature and green spaces but our reserves are fragile places 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. 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.”
Chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett, added: “We have more nature reserves than McDonald’s has restaurants in the UK but our precious wildlife sites are bad places to hold a barbecue.”
The charity is asking people to respect their nature reserves, avoid using barbecues and fires, take all litter home, keep dogs on leads, parking considerately, not go to the the toilet outdoors, avoid trampling sensitive wildflower meadows and be friendly towards staff.