Beauty spots have been “battered” with devastating fires caused by barbecues and mountains of litter left by irresponsible daytrippers as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Authorities continue to fight against those who litter an our beaches and wildlife reserves.

Volunteer teams have been forced to take to Southend’s beaches while rangers are now battling against yobs on Essex Wildlife Trust reserves.

Those responsible have been slammed as the problem looks set to continue with warm weather staying with us for the next few days.

This comes as Southend Council launched their Don’t Be a Mug campaign, aimed at getting litter off beaches and parks.

The Essex Wildlife Trust has said there has been an “unprecented rise” in litter being dropped across their reserves after the Government begins to ease lockdown measures.

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A spokesman has also said the trust has also seen a rise in fly-tipping on their natural habitats.

The dumping of rubbish has disturbed nesting birds while vandalism has ruined aspects of their reserves.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East said: “Clear up after yourself. 

“Put your rubbish in the bin. If a bin is full, take it home with you.

“Leaving it on the beach is not acceptable.”

The spokesman for the Essex Wildlife Trust, said: “Our reserves and other attractive beauty spots have taken a battering as the lifting of some lockdown rules coincides with warmer weather leading to a surge of people outdoors.

“Devastating fires across wild areas where portable BBQs have been used

“Ground-nesting birds and rare plants have been disturbed and trampled by people and dogs

“Antisocial behaviour – including littering, using wild places as outdoor toilets and vandalism has all been widely reported.

“Some wildlife trusts are describing antisocial behaviour on site, including abuse directed towards their staff as the worst they have ever known. The Wildlife Trusts have struggled to cope with the scale of the problems because many staff are furloughed.

“The associated disturbance, litter, vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been very challenging and time consuming for the conservation charity to manage. 

“The Trust welcomes everyone to their sites to enjoy and learn about wildlife but request that visitors behave in a responsible way, taking their litter home, keeping their dogs under control, and respecting these special places for wildlife.”

Southend Council has been contacted for comment.