Volunteers are calling for a nature reserve to be closed to the public due to its unsafe conditions, writes Ile Kauppila.

Members of the Friends of Berengrave, an organisation dedicated to preserving Berengrave Nature Reserve in Rainham, are concerned about the flooding that has afflicted the site since last February.

The flood has softened the reserve’s already shallow 18in deep layer of soil and put trees in danger of falling under their own weight.

Historian Fraser Miller, a member of the group who has performed archaeological work in the reserve, said the area has become extremely dangerous “especially in winter and during strong winds.”

He is calling for urgent maintenance work to be carried out or for the reserve in Berengrave Lane to be closed to the public, as was previously done after flooding in 2001, when it was shut for two years.

Criticising Medway Council for not providing adequate care for the beauty spot, he said: “The area is ignored because the council wants to keep it natural. If you want to keep the place natural, you put a 10-foot fence around it.

“Dangerous trees are not removed and fallen branches are only pulled aside and left next to the footpaths.”

Mr Miller is also concerned about rotting wooden walkways, which were built between the trees so visitors can walk around the site which is set around an old chalk mine. He said they are “on the verge of structural collapse” due to the constantly damp conditions.

A Medway Council spokesman said they are aware of the flooding and are “monitoring the site closely”.

He added: “The site has a monthly safety inspection carried out by the ranger service, and any work required is progressed, which includes the walkways.

“We do take health and safety very seriously, and work within the prevailing rules and regulations that govern this.”

The spokesman also said the council would be “happy to allocate support” to the Friends of Berengrave should they wish to organise task days to carry out maintenance work. But Mr Miller said the support has not been forthcoming.