HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is urging people to respect the closure of Winnall Moors Nature Reserve.

Signs have been installed at every entrance but staff are still finding people walking through.

Fences have been damaged where people have climbed over to gain access. The trust says it is "very concerned" that the warnings in place are not being taken seriously.

Rachel Remnant, reserves officer at Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, said: "We are extremely concerned to see a small minority of members of the public walking through what is, at the moment, a very unsafe area.

"Ordinarily we welcome visitors to Winnall Moors and love to see the nature reserve bustling with people and wildlife, but until we have had a chance to repair the damage, the site is not safe for visitors.

"With the new restrictions around COVID-19 in place we are working with much reduced capacity, and unfortunately have had to pause part way through the necessary repairs.

"We will start this work again as soon as we can so we can reopen the site, but until that time we really need the support of the community so we can keep local people and the reserve itself safe."

The storms and resultant flooding last month impacted the moors in a number of ways.

Parts of the path network have been damaged or washed away, and trees and signs have become unstable.

These hazards pose a substantial threat to public health and safety, and the trust asks that prospective visitors respect the closure.

An alternative walking route around the North Walls Recreation Ground provides excellent views into Winnall Moors for those who are keen to see its wildlife and habitats.