Wildlife charity asks visitors to leave no trace

A new sign at Darland Banks in Gillingham has been vandalised

A wildlife charity is appealing to visitors to leave no trace after wardens had to clean graffiti and pick up litter at its Kent sites.

Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages more than 90 nature reserves across the county, said the warmer weather had resulted in crowds "flocking to our tranquil spaces and creating problems for wildlife".

Last weekend the organisation had to deal with fly-tipping at Holborough Marshes, fence damage at Nashenden Down and graffiti at Darland Banks in Gillingham.

A spokesperson said they also had to deal with damage from banned portable barbecues, dumped dog poo bags and disturbance to wildlife at Pegwell Bay and Sandwich.

Dog poo bags have been abandoned at wildlife sites around Kent

Charlotte Lewis, from Kent Wildlife Trust, said: "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.

"They are home to over 800 grazing animals, and their wellbeing is compromised by ingesting rubbish or getting hurt by it.

"These incidents cost the trust thousands which could better be used to protect and restore nature."