AN OUTBREAK of harmful algae, potentially fatal to animals, has been found at a nature reserve near Ashton Keynes.

Walkers are being warned by the Cotswold Water Park Trust to take extra care after Blue Green Algae was found at Cleveland Lakes.

The trust, who owns the two lakes, advised people to ensure their dogs do not enter the water and to keep away from the water's edge as the 'fumes' can cause nausea.

The official advice from the Environment Agency is as follows: “Bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins which can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets.

"In humans, they can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

"Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you can’t tell just by looking at them, so it’s best to assume they are.”

Ben Welbourn, estates manager for the Cotswold Water Park Trust said: “Access to the water on Nature Reserves is already prohibited, but in moments of excitement children and dogs can sometimes slip the shackles of their parents’ or owners’ supervision and make a dash for the water’s edge. 

"If you’re out exploring these sites please continue to enjoy yourselves and interact with nature, but take additional care to make sure you and your family don’t suffer any ill-effects from these algae.“

Anyone with questions or concerns, can contact the Cotswold Water Park Trust by emailing info@waterpark.org, or they can visit the Environment Agency website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency to download a factsheet.