Wildlife charity repeatedly targeted by vandals

Jessica Allam, Kent Wildlife Trust senior wilder grazing ranger, says incidents of vandalism and anti social behaviour have increased in the past three years

A charity has launched an appeal after what it described as ongoing and "heartbreaking" antisocial behaviour and vandalism across its parks and woodlands.

Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages 80 sites, said the damage had cost "tens of thousands of pounds" each year.

The charity has launched the Nature Nightmares Appeal to highlight the number of incidents on its sites.

Jessica Allam, senior wilder grazing ranger, said: "The money we have used to repair and replace damaged equipment could have been used for vital conservation work."

The charity says there was a break-in at its watch house at Oare Marshes in October, but nothing was stolen

She said the Blue Bell Hill site was a particular target, with volunteers having to clear up litter, fireworks and smashed plates due to a social media trend called "letting go".

The trend includes people writing their grievances on plates and smashing them for "emotional release".

"Volunteers have had to clear up from parties, bonfires, BBQs, graffiti and scattered nails on carparks across different sites," Ms Allam added.

The charity says people have been smashing plates, as part of the "letting go" social media trend, at its Blue Bell Hill site

The cows and ponies which graze on the sites for conservation purposes have been spooked by fireworks, she added.

"They had attempted to get through the fence, they could have been seriously hurt in the process," Ms Allam said.

"Vandals have also damaged benches at Blue Bell Hill, which featured educational information about wildlife in the area."

Kent Wildlife Trust says vandals smashed a bird viewing screen in Holborough Marsh in March

The charity said other incidents included out-of-control dogs attacking the Dexter cattle in Hunstead Woods.

Funds from the campaign will be used to safeguard the county's wildlife and to "take decisive action against those who harm the very places it cherishes".

The charity says volunteers are having to clear up litter and fireworks at Blue Bell Hill site repeatedly