Nesting sites disturbed by bikers during break-in

Newly hatched birds were left in peril after motorcyclists broke into a nature reserve and raced past nesting sites.

The bikers smashed through fences at the beauty spot in north-east Essex, which is not being named to protect it, and disturbed highly sensitive species.

Essex Wildlife Trust runs the site and a spokesperson said the fright could lead to birds abandoning their chicks, causing irreversible damage to their breeding.

It was just one of a "series of shocking incidents" the charity said had happened on a weekly basis at its sites in 2026.

"With breeding season well under way, it may be too late for those birds to try again, which is devastating," added Alex Smith, a marine and coastal engagement officer at the trust.

He described it as a "shocking" disregard for nature, reversing the hard work of staff who had been running successful nesting programmes.

The trust has almost 100 sites and it said vandalism at these locations was being reported to police every week.

None of the incidents had led to arrests or convictions, it told the BBC.

In Grays, a dog off its lead killed a young gosling despite clear warnings about pets being kept under close control.

Other incidents reported by the trust included:

• Quad bikes being driven on Sites of Special Scientific Interest
• Unofficial cycling trails created over badger setts
• Life-saving buoys being stolen
• The destruction of bird hides, gates and fences, some of which have been set alight

Nature reserves manager Neil Bedford said: "Each incident takes time and money to repair, diverting resources away from habitat management and conservation work.

"What this doesn't cover is the emotional impact it also has on the staff and volunteers."

The trust feared criminal activities would increase at its sites during the warmer weather.

Staff urged anyone who witnessed vandalism, fly-tipping, illegal off-road vehicle use or suspicious behaviour at its nature reserves to contact the police.

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