A WARNING has been issued to residents in the hope of preventing harm to a protected species in Colchester.

Members of the public have been warned about nesting Skylarks on the grounds of Gosbecks Archaeological Park.

The protected species set up their nests on the ground, making it easy for dogs and people to approach them.

Gazette: Nesting - Skylarks in their nest on the groundNesting - Skylarks in their nest on the ground (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement team)

Gazette: Engagement - police officers spoke with dog ownersEngagement - police officers spoke with dog owners (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement team)

Colchester Council park rangers and officers from the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team have been educating dog walkers about the birds as nesting season approaches.

Walkers are advised to stick to mown paths and keep dogs on leads from February to September to avoid disturbing the birds.

Gazette: Rangers - a Colchester City Council park rangers vehicleRangers - a Colchester City Council park rangers vehicle (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement team)

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Watch out for these little fellas, Colchester.

“Our Park Rangers have been back in Gosbecks Archaeological Park alongside Essex Police, chatting to dog owners about nesting skylarks.

Gazette: Protection - sign asking dog owners to keep dogs on leadProtection - sign asking dog owners to keep dogs on lead (Image: Essex Police Rural Engagement team)

“Skylarks are a protected species and nest on the ground, so as spring approaches dog walkers - and people in general - should stick to the mown paths away from the long grass.

“There's plenty of signage up around the site to remind you. Big thanks in advance for helping.”