Trees burnt and litter left by group ‘partying’ at Gloucestershire nature reserve

Part of a Gloucestershire nature reserve has been left damaged and littered by late-night visitors.

A tree at Chosen Hill - a popular spot for walkers, offering views across the Severn Vale - was fire-damaged by a bonfire and rubbish was left at the site.

Residents in nearby Churchdown say beer cans and bottles were left by a group who had been “partying”.

Nigel Waterfield took pictures of the litter after visiting the site on Tuesday, 26 May following the bank holiday weekend.

Chosen Hill is surrounded by four nature reserves, and is treated as one large reserve by the Woodland Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Mr Waterfield said he found more litter when he returned to the site on Tuesday, 2 June.

He said lighting fires in the area posed a risk to the safety of other people and wildlife, as well as put additional pressure on emergency services.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service have since warned members of the public to be mindful of the risks when lighting a fire or an outdoor barbecue.