POLICE near Whitchurch have issued a warning following reports of poaching at a nature reserve.

Officers from North Shropshire Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) took to social media on Sunday (May 29) afternoon to say they have received reports of people hunting rabbits at Press Heath Nature Reserve.

They explained that many people thought the land was common ground, but it is owned by the Butterfly Conservation who say poaching is not permitted.

Officers will now be patrolling the area and will be taking action against anyone caught poaching.

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They said: "We have recently had reports about people hunting rabbits on the nature reserve at Prees Heath.

"People previously thought this to be common land but it’s not the case, it is owned by the Butterfly Conservation who’ve stated that killing rabbits on the reserve is not permitted.

"Whitchurch SNT will be regularly patrolling the area and shall take action on anyone found carrying out this activity."

They also added a reminder to dog walkers, commenting: "Could visitors also comply with the many notices around the pathways asking for dogs to be kept on leads whilst on the reserve at this time of year please.

Meanwhile, officers were out at the site on Monday (May 30) morning placing signs to remind people that poaching on the land is not permitted and speaking to walkers to raise awareness.

They added: "Following on from yesterday’s message at Prees Heath Nature Reserve, PC Jones and PCSO Lister have been out placing signage up to warn people poaching on the land is not permitted.

"Lots of walkers this morning, all engaged well and appreciate the passing attention."