Witnesses have reported seeing hounds and people on foot and horseback traversing across land owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Whilst crossed by public bridleways that hunts can have legal access over, any incursion onto land managed by the charity is not allowed.

Witnesses have reported seeing hunts at the Greystones nature reserves over last weekend.

This kind of incursion can damage habitats and poses a threat to the wildlife that Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is working hard to recover in the county.

 Andrew McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust simply does not allow any trail hunting or drag hunting on our land.

“We care for these precious wildlife habitats for the benefit of nature and people.

“Incursions like this can have a significant impact on the wildlife that we are here to protect.

“We would like to thank the witnesses who have reported these sightings to us.

“If members and visitors witness hunting with dogs on our nature reserves, we encourage them to notify us, and the police if they suspect that the law is being broken.

“All cases of reported illegal hunting and any instances of actionable trespass by hunting groups on our nature reserves should be reported to the police.”

Through our numerous nature recovery projects, GWT works closely with landowners, farmers and the wider rural community, some of whom take part in field sports.

Some of their views do not always reflect our own but it is only through collaboration and building relationships that we can work together to help nature recover.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust will be writing to those involved in the reported incidents to remind them of this and of their responsibilities regarding our reserves.

For more information on this, please look at our Position Statement on hunting and field sports.