FLY-TIPPERS are blighting several New Forest beauty spots and endangering people, wildlife and livestock, the National Trust has warned.

The spate of fly-tipping incidents have happened on Hightown Common, Hale Purlieu and Newlands Plantation at Rockford Common.

The commons are owned and looked after by the conservation charity in the New Forest.

National Trust community ranger Jennifer Sutton said: “Over the past two weeks there have been garden waste, tyres, timber dumped on three of our commons.

“This not only spoils the natural beauty of the SSSI designated commons (Site of Special Scientific Interest), but we’re worried that this kind of hazardous litter could cause an injury.”

“Sharp objects like nails from the timber can cause harm to the feet of the ponies that get turned out onto our commons, whilst poisonous plants can make livestock and wildlife very ill if ingested,” she added.

The National Trust says the team in the New Forest “acted immediately” to remove the waste and will work closely with local police officers to combat this damaging behaviour, as well as continuing to inform visitors about the importance of protecting the New Forest’s declining lowland heathland habitats, and the rare wildlife it supports.

The trust is urging homeowners to use a reputable company to carry out their waste removal, and to make sure they show them their waste carriers licence.

Homeowners can contact their local authority for advice if they are unsure.

If you see any antisocial behaviour on our commons please inform the Police on 101. To report fly tipped waste you can call the National Trust New Forest office on 01425 650035.

The National Trust New Forest team also care for a total of five commons, which also include Ibsley Common and Bramshaw Common.