Visitors urged to respect and protect nature sites

VISITORS to nature reserves are being urged to respect and protect our precious wild places.

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said it is anticipating an increase in visits to its sites as summer approaches.

Chief executive Tim Graham said: “Spring is a wonderful time to get out and experience nature.

“Birdsong is in the air, flowers are blooming and bees and butterflies are starting to emerge.

“Unfortunately, this time last year we did experience an uplift in littering and some cases of vandalism across our sites, so we are urging visitors to be considerate and enjoy our sites responsibly.

“We want people to make the most of their wild spaces, but at the same time, it is so important to do what we can to keep these areas protected for wildlife. Nature has been there for us over the last year and now it needs our help.”

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust nature reserves comprise some of the most important wildlife habitats across the region and contain some very rare species.

Visitors are urged to:

■■Stay on waymarked paths;

■■Take rubbish home;

■■Don’t light fires or barbeques;

■■Check in advance if dogs are allowed, and if they are allowed, keep them on a short lead to avoid disturbance to nesting birds and any livestock;

■■Take extra care when visiting to cause as little disturbance as possible.

For the latest information on trust nature reserve opening times, visitor centres and upcoming events, go to: