LITTER louts have struck again at a Herefordshire nature reserve, with bosses saying rubbish poses serious risks to nature.

Lugg Meadows, off Ledbury Road near Hereford, has previously faced problems with litter, when rubbish was left strewn around the site after sunny weekends in 2020.

Similar problems happened after the Bank Holiday Weekend as Britain faced its hottest days of the year so far. 

Pictures from the site show crates and bottles of beer and cider were dumped close to the river Lugg, which runs through the site and run by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.

The trust said: "We do have a reserve officer, voluntary warden and volunteer group who all regularly litter pick but it’s an awful lot to keep on top of – especially after a sunny bank holiday weekend."

Hereford Times: Rubbish was left on the riverbanks at Lugg Meadows near Hereford again. Picture: Mark Hemming Rubbish was left on the riverbanks at Lugg Meadows near Hereford again. Picture: Mark Hemming

Bosses at the trust have previously slammed litter louts, saying the amount of waste left at the site in June 2020 was "horrendous".

Estates manager James Hitchcock said at the time the trust was pleased to say that, for the most part, visitors to sites across Herefordshire had enjoyed them respectfully.

But he added: "Staff and volunteers are doing their best to keep on top of the rubbish being left at Lugg Meadow which includes large items such as dinghies and bikes.

"We have been hugely heartened that members of the local community are helping too and have been litter-picking at the site while out on their walks and runs. We really appreciate this."

Hereford Times: Rubbish can be dangerous to wildlife, experts warn. Picture: Mark Hemming Rubbish can be dangerous to wildlife, experts warn. Picture: Mark Hemming

The wildlife trusts website said: "It’s not just our marine life at risk from litter.

"Mammals like hedgehogs and birds like swans frequently suffer injuries as a result of getting caught up in waste.

"Any litter removed from a natural ecosystem helps wildlife and creates a better space for humans too."