An arson investigation is underway after a “devastating” fire ripped through a vulnerable habitat at a protected beauty spot.
Firefighters battled a blaze at Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve off Sandwich Road yesterday evening.
The aftermath of the fire in the reed beds off Sandwich Road in Pegwell Bay. Picture: Nik Mitchell
Three engines were sent to the scene just before 7.40pm and extinguished the flames following two separate incidents at Chapmans Fields and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve.
There were no injuries reported but police officers attended the scene and an arson investigation is ongoing, said a police spokesperson.
Environmental campaigner Nik Mitchell, who has lived in Pegwell Bay his whole life, was at the scene around 8.20pm.
The father of two told KentOnline this morning that a “300 metre scar” has been left on what he describes as the “Gem of Kent”.
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – a protected area recognised because of its exceptional wildlife, geological, or physiographical features.
Nik, who is an electrician by trade but runs the Get Wild social media page which highlights nature and environmental issues, said: “I was out last night and on my way home when I smelt burning and saw lots of fire engines.
Firefighters at the scene of the fire off Sandwich Road in Pegwell Bay. Picture: Nik Mitchell
“I realised there had been a massive fire and I thought it would have been at one of the houses.”
But when the 44-year-old arrived, he realised it was at the nature reserve.
He added: “I saw there was a massive scar that must be around 300 metres.
“It must have been hard for the firefighters to put it out, as that area is not accessible and the land is stodgy.
“It’s devastating. Pegwell is the gem of Kent. It’s really special, so to see a fire hit it is gutting.
“It’s going to have an impact on the small nesting birds there as well as the insects, which are their food source.
An arson investigation has been launched following the blaze at Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve off Sandwich Road. Photo: KMTV/ Kristen Hawthorne
“Going forward, I am concerned about people walking across it now, which would make it take longer to grow back.”
Kent Wildlife Trust says it is “deeply concerned” after the incident, as it has destroyed an “irreplaceable habitat, home to rare plants and animals”.
The charity says the fire raises concerns “central” to its Rethink Sea Link campaign, which highlights the risks posed by National Grid’s proposed £1.1 billion Sea Link project by introducing large-scale infrastructure to the vulnerable reserve, which is still “bearing the scars” of an earlier project called Nemo Link.
Emma Waller, senior planning and policy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “This fire adds another layer of stress to an already heavily pressured site and reinforces our concerns about National Grid’s proposed Sea Link project, which is why we are calling on them to Rethink Sea Link. Further large-scale development risks causing permanent harm to these internationally important habitats.
“What is increasingly concerning is that this is not isolated.
“We are seeing rising disturbance across other Kent Wildlife Trust reserves, from anti-social behaviour through to recreational pressures that are becoming harder for wildlife to withstand.
Firefighters battled a blaze on the reed beds off Sandwich Road in Pegwell Bay. Picture: Nik Mitchell
“Without urgent action to address these growing pressures, we risk permanently losing the wildlife and habitats that make places like Pegwell Bay so special.
“The likelihood of destroyed nests, loss of reptiles, and widespread disturbance is deeply concerning. Incidents like this also set back recovery in habitats that are already fragile and slow to regenerate.”
Cliffsend Parish Council asked residents to check CCTV and doorbell cameras for “suspicious activity” in Sandwich Road, Mount Green Avenue, Cliffsend Road, Foads Hill and Canterbury Road West between 6pm to 9pm.
In a statement, the council said: “A number of wheelie bins have been reported to have been set on fire following the fire on the marshes.
“If you believe you have any footage that may be relevant or important, please contact Kent Police.”