Kent Wildlife Trust launched an urgent appeal after repeated vandalism and antisocial behaviour damaged its parks and woodlands. The organisation, which manages 80 sites, said annual repairs now cost tens of thousands of pounds. The campaign, called the Nature Nightmares Appeal, aims to raise awareness and funds to protect wildlife habitats under threat.
Senior wilder grazing ranger Jessica Allam said, “The money we spend fixing damage could instead fund vital conservation projects.” She explained that Blue Bell Hill has become a major target, with volunteers constantly cleaning up litter, fireworks, and broken plates from a social media trend called “letting go.” The trend encourages people to smash plates after writing grievances on them for emotional release.
Wildlife and Volunteers Suffer the Consequences
Allam said volunteers regularly clean the aftermath of parties, barbecues, graffiti, and bonfires scattered across several reserves. Vandals also leave nails on car parks, creating hazards for visitors and wildlife. She described how conservation grazing animals, such as cows and ponies, panic when fireworks explode nearby.
“The animals tried to break through fences and could have suffered serious injuries,” she said. “Vandals even destroyed benches at Blue Bell Hill that displayed educational information about local species.” The trust also reported incidents of dogs attacking Dexter cattle at Hunstead Woods, further endangering the animals that help maintain the ecosystem.
Appeal Aims to Protect Nature and Enforce Action
The Nature Nightmares Appeal will direct donations toward repairing habitats and preventing future damage. Funds will strengthen security, restore damaged features, and support enforcement against offenders. “We will take firm action against anyone who harms the places we protect,” the charity stated.
Kent Wildlife Trust urged the public to report antisocial behaviour and support its mission to safeguard the county’s landscapes. The organisation hopes the campaign will remind visitors that protecting nature requires respect, awareness, and community responsibility.
