CHIEFS at Herefordshire's nature reserves have criticised the amount of litter left at its site, labelling the scenes after a busy weekend as "horrendous".

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust manages some of the county's beauty spots, including Lugg Meadow in Ledbury Road.

With Herefordshire basking in sunshine at the weekend, people headed outdoors due to the relaxed lockdown rules which recently came into force.

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And while trust bosses admitted most people had behaved well and taken litter home from their sites, there were exceptions.

Estates manager James Hitchcock said: "We are pleased to say that, for the most part, visitors to our sites in Herefordshire have been enjoying them respectfully.

"Two notable exceptions, however, have been Lugg Meadow where the amounts of litter have been horrendous and Bodenham Lake, where, despite the car park being advertised as closed, people have still visited, parking inconsiderately in the village and seriously inconveniencing the local residents.

"Staff and volunteers are doing their best to keep on top of the rubbish being left at Lugg Meadow which includes large items such as dinghies and bikes.

"We have been hugely heartened that members of the local community are helping too and have been litter-picking at the site while out on their walks and runs. We really appreciate this."

It comes as wildlife trusts make a nationwide plea for people to respect nature reserves.

Some have reported antisocial behaviour on site, including abuse directed towards their staff as the worst they have ever known.

Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "The Wildlife Trusts have more nature reserves than McDonald's has restaurants in the UK, but our precious wildlife sites are bad places to hold a BBQ.

"These wonderful wild places are vital local havens for people to enjoy with family and friends, to walk, rest and see nature. Our natural heritage is priceless and so important for us all – for our health and happiness – but it is fragile.

"We're appealing to everyone to love and look after it. Everyone is welcome but please respect our wild places, other visitors and people who work there."