A damaging amount of litter is threatening to spoil the Deneway Nature Reserve as strewn rubbish continues to build up around the site.

Beer bottles, sweet wrappers and empty cans have been discarded across the wire-fencing that gates the woodland enclosure.

The small reserve is one of the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s protected sites, and was intended to be a secluded habitat for badgers, foxes and several species of birds.

Steve Tillman, Reserves Officer at the Trust said: “We have experienced problems with littering and while we arrange for the site to be cleaned on a regular basis we can only appeal to those people who are throwing their rubbish over the fence to be more responsible and take their litter home.”

Residents, although keen on the idea of green belts throughout Brighton, know little about this particular conservation strip.

Nearby resident, Adrian Knight said: “Well, I don’t really know much about it to be honest. It seems like a good idea to me. I’ve seen some badgers and foxes around the area, but can’t say I’m very aware of what’s going on.”

The laminated signs asking for co-operation in keeping the area tidy are slowly disintegrating in the rain.

Veterinary Receptionist, Gloria Citrone said: “I’m not entirely sure why there is rubbish around the gate. I know that children walk past it on their way home from school. Also, it’s right next to that tunnel, which is windy, so litter might get blown up through there.”

In contrast to the condition of the Deneway, the surrounding area is well maintained; the pavements beside the reserve have been kept immaculately.

Mr Tillman said: “The Deneway is a valuable wildlife corridor allowing a variety of species to expand their territories as they search for food and shelter.”

There is no public access to the small reserve, so the rotting waste cannot be cleared by passing helpers.

Information about this project and the inhabiting creatures’ wellbeing can be found online at www.sussexwt.org.uk.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Sussex Wildlife Trust should contact Gemma Harding 01273 497562.

By Michaela Eells