A “DEPRESSING” amount of litter and human and dog faeces was found at Upton Heath Nature Reserve this week.

The mess, which also included a burnt-out motorbike and broken glass, was spotted by the ponds by Claire Wilkinson on Tuesday (February 18).

The nature reserve is described as a “heathland Oasis” by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and it attracts visitors from Poole and the surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, some visitors left the area in a worse state than when they arrived.

READ MORE: Emergency services stage major terrorism response exercise at Poole Port

READ MORE: Four paddling pools to reopen in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Claire informed the Dorset Wildlife Trust about the state of the reserve and rangers were reportedly sent down to clear up the mess.

“People of Poole, we should hang our heads in shame. This is a nature reserve, and it needs to be preserved and cared for,” she said.

She said it was clear that some of the mess was human faeces due to the toilet paper found nearby.

Claire pointed to the fact that very few tourists will be visiting Poole throughout winter, so the mess was most likely caused by people, dog walkers, or kids from the Poole area.

She added: “This mess is made by locals – [the] people of Poole; we can’t blame anyone else.”

Wildlife on Upton Heath Nature Reserve

Upton Heath is home to a wide variety of wildlife, which depends on the health of the reserve.

The nature reserve needs constant management to ensure conditions are optimum, and it is home to the rare sand lizard and smooth snake, as well as 16 species of dragonflies.

The site is also important for the rare and declining adder.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust was contacted for comment.