A wildlife area created as a haven for dormice is attracting noisy youths instead, according to a resident.

Roger Vaughan, 71, was curious when an area of Ambley Wood, Gillingham, was cordoned off by staff from Kent Wildlife Trust.

Four men worked for a week creating a dormouse reserve by clearing the area, cutting down trees, spreading chipping and piling up logs and fastening them together with wire.

But Mr Vaughan, of Hamelin Road, Darland, said the reserve is frequented by teenage yobs who make lots of noise.

Mr Vaughan said: “They build camp fires, take drugs, leave beer cans, spirit bottles, and even human excrement all over the place.

“Not only do they leave their mess, they shout and scream and the other day had dragged a picnic bench about 300 yards into the wood from its rightful place and used it to climb on a tree swing they had made.

“I do wonder how much the project cost and thought they would find better ways to secure the logs as they are just perfect size for a bonfire and that’s what the teenagers have done with most of them.”

Medway Council, which manages the site, wants to hear about incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.

A spokeswoman said: “Ambley Wood is one of the many greenspaces that the people of Medway are able to enjoy. The woodlands provide a much-loved natural environment and habitat to a variety of wildlife. Last year an area of the woodland was adapted to help protect the dormouse population.

“It is disappointing to hear that a minority of people are spoiling the site and causing a nuisance for local residents.

"Although we have not received any reports of issues at Ambley Wood, a ranger visits the site each month to check whether any maintenance work is required.

"We will also look to replace any damaged logs that provide habitat to wildlife.

“I would encourage anyone who notices issues in any of the public greenspaces to contact the council so the necessary action can be taken to rectify them, and to contact the police to report incidents of anti-social behaviour.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of occasional anti-social behaviour that has been taking place on Darland Banks, Gillingham, including some off-road vehicle use, damage to fencing and general nuisance behaviour.

“The neighbourhood policing team has met with landowners and other partner agencies
and will work with them to reduce the chance of further incidents.

“Where crime or anti-social behaviour is believed to be occurring, police would encourage residents or visitors to report the matter to allow us to build an accurate picture of the issues.”