A conservation charity says it is facing a “nature nightmare” after a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

It comes after Kent Wildlife Trust issued a warning to metal detectorists who have dug holes along rare chalk grasslands at one of its sites.

The Larches Nature Reserve in Detling is a 25-hectare wildlife haven sandwiched between the North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way.

It is regularly used by horse riders, dog walkers and hikers.

There were concerns that someone could be injured by the trip hazard left from the digging.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s area manager Alison Ruyter discovered the damage yesterday (November 7) while carrying out one of her regular visits.

“It's disappointing that someone has chosen to metal detect on this site,” she said.

“They have not only caused damage to the wildlife habitat but also created a risk for those who come here to enjoy it.

“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.

“It’s such a shame – this chalk grassland habitat is incredibly rare and supports an array of species including orchids, so they have potentially killed off some of the lovely wildflowers on this site too.

“Despite the hole being partially refilled, it is still a pothole.

“A walker or horse could easily trip in it, so whilst it may appear harmless, the consequences of this behaviour could be serious for both wildlife and people.

“Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to the Larches and we have ongoing issues with metal detectorists regularly damaging nature sites across the county.

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

The incident has been dubbed a “nature nightmare” by wardens who have been campaigning to encourage people to behave responsibly at these sites.

Recent incidents include bike jumps damaging a reserve in a fenced-off area of Holborough Marshes near Snodland, off-road bikers tearing up the chalk grassland at The Larches and fireworks being set off near grazing cattle at Darland Banks in Gillingham.

Running alongside the awareness campaign is the nature nightmares appeal, which was set up to help the Kent Wildlife Trust recoup the cost of cleaning and repairs following anti-social behaviour and criminal activity over the summer.

Whilst there are multiple examples of people doing the wrong thing at reserves, there are lots of volunteers completing good work too.

On Tuesday (November 5), 26 helpers from Natural England, Kent Stour Countryside Partnership, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Turner Free School and the Friends of Alex Farm Pastures came together to improve the habitat at south Ashford woodland for the Grizzled Skipper – one of the UK’s most threatened butterflies.

The team worked to clear brambles and push back the treeline to allow more light into the woodland, which will also make future management of the site easier.