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

A spate of fly-tipping incidents has occurred on three of the five Forest commons owned and looked after by the conservation charity.

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

“This not only spoils the natural beauty of the commons, which are sites of special scientific interest. This kind of hazardous litter could cause an injury.

“Sharp objects such as nails from the timber can cause harm to the feet of the ponies that get turned out on to our commons, while poisonous plants can make livestock and wildlife very ill if ingested.”

A National Trust spokesman said the charity acted immediately to remove waste dumped on its land.

He added: “We work closely with police 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 urges homeowners to use a reputable company to carry out their waste removal and to make sure they show them their waste carriers licence."

The five Forest commons owned by the National Trust are at Bramshaw, Hale Purlieu, Hightown, Ibsley and Rockford.

Anyone seeing anti-social behaviour on the commons should call police on 101. Ring 01425 650035 to report fly-tipping.