Warning after detectorists dig up nature reserve

Kent Wildlife Trust says someone 'may be injured by the trip hazard'

Visitors to a nature reserve have been warned to take care because of a series of holes made by metal detectorists.

Kent Wildlife Trust said "someone may be injured by the trip hazard" at The Larches nature reserve in Detling, a rare chalk grassland.

The 25-hectare wildlife haven, sandwiched between the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way, is frequented by horse riders, dog walkers and hikers.

Alison Ruyter, the charity's regional manager, said those responsible had "not only caused damage to the wildlife habitat but also created a risk for those who come here to enjoy it".

She said: “Even though the person responsible has tried to fill in the holes they have damaged the roots, drying out the turf which kills the plants within it.

A wildlife trust statement said it had "ongoing issues with metal detectorists regularly damaging nature sites across the county".

It added: "We would ask that they respect these much-needed wildlife habitats and only go on land where permission has been granted.”

The charity highlighted other recent incidents on its land including bike jumps damaging a reserve, off-road bikers tearing up chalk grassland and fireworks set off near grazing cattle.