Kent Wildlife Trust is reminding people visiting nature reserves to leave no trace after wardens binned dog poo, cleaned graffiti and litter picked after an influx of visitors at the weekend.

The Trust manages over 90 Nature reserves for wildlife in the county and the vast majority of visitors leave no trace, however, the warmer weather has resulted in hundreds flocking to the tranquil spaces and creating problems for wildlife.

This weekend, staff and volunteers had to tackle:

• Fly-tipping at Holborough Marshes (Snodland).
• Fencing damage by quadbikes at Nashenden Down (Rochester).
• Graffiti at Darland Banks (Gillingham)
• Damage by BBQs (which are banned) at Bluebell Hill, Maidstone.
• Discarded balloons at Oare Marshes (near Faversham).
• Dumped dog poo bags at Pegwell Bay (Ramsgate)
• Disturbance to wildlife at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay by people ignoring restricted areas.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Charlotte Lewis says: We appreciate that many people want to enjoy the beauty of nature in our green spaces, however, we have noticed an increase in the amount of litter and disturbance at our sites.

“When visiting a nature reserve, please leave no trace and take your rubbish home. We are in the midst of a biodiversity emergency and these spaces are desperately needed by our wildlife, a nature haven is not the place for BBQs, parties, or releasing balloons. Our sites are home to over 800 grazing animals, and their wellbeing is compromised by ingesting rubbish or getting hurt by it. We take reports of criminal behaviour, such as graffiti and vandalism, seriously and report all incidents to the police. These incidents cost the trust thousands and could better be used to protect and restore nature.

“People who want to help can do so by supporting our 'Nature Nightmares' Campaign, which helps cover the expenses caused by this irresponsible behaviour.”

For more information about Kent Wildlife Trust’s Nature Nightmares Campaign, visit the website.