Family on kayaks disturb specially protected nature reserve and pose for nest cam - as RSPB warns visitors are dumping cigarette butts in hides

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 15:35 EDT, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 15:45 EDT, 3 September 2026 A kayaking family were caught disturbing a specially protected nature reserve and posing for pictures in a nest cam.The family disrupted the Arne nature reserve in Dorset choosing to ignore the 'no landing - wildlife only' signs near the breeding nests.Video footage captured the family kayaking in helmets and lifejackets past the signs and near the Oystercatchers in July.They were then filmed pulling funny faces at a camera monitoring one of the bird's nests, the RSPB said.The charity added that it has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour at the reserve which causes 'unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and putting this precious landscape at risk.'Kayakers and paddleboarders have been seen landing on the beach at the reserve, with one craft pictured against one of the signs.Visitors have also caused nuisances by stealing water rescue equipment and even dumped cigarette butts in bird hides.The charity said that it was a 'particular issue' given the red fire alert that was issued and the signs telling visitors not to smoke. A family were caught ignoring signs and pulling faces at a camera monitoring a bird nest in July A paddleboard propped up against a sign that reads 'no landing - wildlife area' at RSPB Arne in Dorset A deep water warning and a water rescue equipment box pictured on the nature reserveAn RSPB spokesperson said: 'One of the throw lines, which forms part of our water rescue equipment at the new seasonal trail to the lagoon, has been stolen for a second time.'This equipment is there for people's safety, and its removal puts others at risk.'We know that the vast majority of our visitors love and appreciate Arne and want to see its wildlife protected.'Please help us by following the signs, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and taking care of this special place.'Our team works hard to protect the reserve and the wildlife that depends on it, but we need your help too.'Thank you for helping us keep Arne safe for wildlife and for everyone who enjoys this wonderful landscape.'Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREEDo YOU have a story? Email joshua.haining@dailymail.co.uk