Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve suffers from vandalism costing £1,000’s damage

We received the sad news today that Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve has had two of their bird hides badly vandalised.

Willow Hide has been damage inside and is now unsafe to enter, whilst Tower Hide was broken into and a small fire was set in the door way. This damage will cost thousands to repair. Each hide costs between £15,000 and £20,000 to replace as they have to be customised and built.

The Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is open to the public but due to the current government restrictions the visitor centre is not and therefore their source of income has been lost.

Staff are doing what they can to protect the sites, but vandals have been damaging the hides at night and setting fires which are so dangerous and potentially devastating to the local surroundings and the wildlife. The charity are facing challenges at this difficult time without having to deal with mindless vandalism.

This is unfair to all the families that use the reserve every day and can be dangerous to both the public visiting and the staff trying to “make good and mend with limited staff available at the moment”.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to cover some of the repair costs to the hides and damaged fencing during the government restrictions. If you are able to help, in any way at all, that would be greatly appreciated during these challenging and difficult times.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-funds-to-repair-vandalised-bird-hides

If you see any antisocial behaviour/ vandalism on the reserve, please report this to the police on 101 or emergency 999 and to Kent Wildlife Trust at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk and use the contact form to report this to the estate and reserves teams.

Please be aware of the following when visiting the reserve:

Running/ jogging around the reserve is prohibited.

No cycling, bikes to put in the racks at the visitor centre.

Guide dogs only

Only guide dogs are allowed on the reserve. Dogs are allowed in the car park and picnic area on a lead only.

BBQ’s and fires are not permitted.

Fishing and pond dipping by permit only.

Keep to the footpaths provided and don’t break down faces to gain access use the entrances provided.

Any litter put it the in the bins provided or take it home.

Please look and don’t pick as the reverse is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, stay safe and well.