Keep to the proper paths WITH spring now fully upon us, it is understandable that the people in and around Leominster should want to take to the outdoors for fresh air and watch the countryside burst into life.

However, as has increasingly and frustratingly been the case over the last few years, many see farmland as a recreation facility where they and their dogs can wander freely across fields, damaging forage and cereal crops.

One example is the track that has been worn into a field of delicate lucerne from the back of Marches Vets across the top of Cockroft Hill – there is no footpath there.

We have to constantly ask people not to park their cars in fields or block gateways and stick to footpaths which is occasionally met with indifference and at worst verbal abuse as though it is their god-given right to walk where they please.

There are many footpaths running across our farm as well as permissive access routes established as part of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme and we welcome anyone to use them, as is indeed their right, but urge them to please stick to those designated paths.

BEN ANDREWS Leominster