Tens of thousands of pounds worth of tools and animal equipment have been stolen from a charity.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve in Sevenoaks has been targeted twice by thieves.

The first theft happened over the weekend between Friday, December 2 and Sunday, December 4 when a storage container at the reserve in Bradbourne Road was broken into.

The second burglary was on Monday, December 5 when the same place was targeted again.

Five chainsaws, seven brush cutters to trim lawns and a trailer were among the items stolen.

It's been estimated it will cost more than £10,000 to replace them.

The break-ins came just weeks after thefts from Nashenden Down in Rochester.

Simon Bateman-Brown, who is head of land management for Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “This is the third time in just a few weeks that we have been the victim of a substantial theft and these incidents significantly impact our ability to deliver conservation work across the county.

“These tools were crucial to the amazing work of our volunteers and the theft will have a considerable impact on our work.

“If anyone has any information that may help locate the items or identify those responsible, please contact us or the police.”

The incident at Nashenden Down nature reserve on November 12 saw the theft of gates, sheep hurdles and a sheep handling system.

In total nine field gates, 10 padlocks and chains, 10 sheep hurdles, and the sheep handling system were stolen.

To replace these, it will cost the charity around an additional £10,000.

The Kent Wildlife Trust team was quickly on site, securing all 200 animals, checking on their welfare and putting up temporary gates.

If you have information that may help, contact the police or Kent Wildlife Trust on communications@kentwildlife.org.uk.