A utility firm has warned of the “worrying” and “heart-breaking” pollution bikers could cause by continuing to ride near springs and streams.

South East Water is urging those using its land, near Pembury, as a track to stop over fears that oil or fuel spills could contaminate the raw water which is turned into drinking water.

The utility firm has reported an increase in fly-tippers, motorsports, and mountain bike riding in the area over the past few months.

It added that dirt bikers have turned the site into their regular track, causing mud to seep into the nearby reservoir, disturbing ecosystems and damaging company equipment.

There are fears that the riders could also contaminate the springs and streams which are used for fresh drinking water with oil or fuel spills.

Biodiversity manager at South East Water, Richard Dyer, added: "The disruption caused by the trail bikers is having an impact on the fragile woodland ecosystems by damaging ground flora and impacting on protected species such as dormice and nesting birds.

“But importantly it is also affecting raw water quality by leaving the ground bare allowing rain to wash soil particles and other contaminants off into the local springs and streams.

“The potential for an oil or fuel spill from a motorbike contaminating the springs and streams is particularly worrying.

"The water in the reservoir is natural spring water, so it is heartbreaking that it could be polluted in such a way."

South East Water owns or manages 33 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, two local nature reserves, and numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Protecting the environment from which water is abstracted is a crucial part of the work the business undertakes.