Tents have been abandoned, rubbish strewn across the grass and buildings vandalised at nature reserves across the county.

Kent Wildlife Trust, based in Maidstone, says there have been at least four incidents of campers pitching up tents in one of its reserves, as people attempt to seek isolation amid the coronavirus.

Blean Woods near Canterbury has been a hot spot for this activity, with wardens left to clear up the mess afterwards.

Unwanted visitors have also smashed the windows and doors of bird hides, pushed over fences and had fires at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, as well as swimming in the lake.

Director of conservation Paul Hadaway said: "The camping is happening much less now but when the lockdown was first put in place, people were looking for ways to isolate themselves and trying to do what made them feel safe.

"But to camp on anyone's land, you have to have permission. And what they're doing is not only breaking the rules but is also inappropriate."

All car parks and visitor facilities have been closed at the charity's 80 sites to encourage social distancing. The parks still remain open for those on foot. Despite this, Kent Wildlife Trust has received several complaints over the phone or via email regarding this decision.

Mr Hadaway added: "There's two sides to this - people are rediscovering the value of nature in a different way to how they would ever have before, which is a good thing. But also is becomes an issue for us - people don't understand that we have to have restrictions to protect our staff and the public. "

With the prospect of a £800,000 loss due to the pandemic, and half the 100 staff furloughed, Mr Hadaway highlights if people really do value having this open space, they should support it through the crisis and become a member.

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