"Hazardous" fly-tipping poses serious threat to New Forest wildlife and livestock, warns the National Trust.

The Conservation charity says two incidents have happened at Rockford Common in the last two weeks.

It says that over the past year Rockford has been used as a "dumping ground" for large amounts of hazardous materials and non-native plant waste, which is "putting the common’s many users at risk of harm" including dog walkers and graving livestock as well as impacting on the rare wildlife.

National Trust community ranger Jennifer Sutton said: “Sharp objects like nails can cause great harm to the feet of grazing ponies and to dogs, and plastics can make livestock and wildlife very ill if swallowed.

“Hazardous paint can cause far reaching damage, but not only to livestock and precious heathland flora. It may leach into the soil affecting the water table.

“Plant waste also introduces extra nutrients into the fragile soils and can contain non-native plant species that might out-compete our precious heathland flora."

She added: “The New Forest is an internationally protected site of special scientific interest, so this increase in fly tipping is incredibly disheartening.”

The National Trust’s New Forest team says it will remain vigilant for any further incidences and are working with the police and New Forest District Council to make the site more secure.

The team are also looking into the use of additional security such as barriers, ditching and dragons teeth which could cost the charity several thousand pounds.

“Rockford common is for everyone to enjoy. Many young families, children and dogs use this area, but we’re worried that this kind of hazardous litter could cause an injury,” said Jennifer.

“We would like to thank our visitors and community for their support and for reporting these incidents to us”.

The new Forest team are appealing to the public to contact the police on 101 with any information abut the fly-tipping. Cases of fly-tipping can also be reported to the National Trust New Forest office on 01425 650035.