Unprecedented numbers of wildlife at a nature reserve in South Gloucestershire is putting wildlife at risk.

Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve in Wick has seen a huge increase in visitors since lockdown restrictions were eased.

South Gloucestershire Council has now urged residents to to visit this weekend, due to the risk of damage to habitats.

A letter to residents written by the council's asset and infrastructure group manager, Jon Munslow, said: "While it is great that people recognise the health and wellbeing benefits of the natural environment, the pressure this has put on you, the village and the nature reserve is unsustainable.

"As a council there are limits to what we can do to prevent people visiting the area and it is not possible to close the reserve without creating a range of other problems.

Measures that have been taken include signs on the A420 asking people not to visit. The police will also be making regular visits and managing obstructive parking.

A post on the South Gloucestershire Council StreetCare Facebook page said: ""Unprecedented numbers of visitors to the reserve is putting wildlife at risk and damaging habitats.

"The site needs time to recover from all the visitors. Please find an alternative walk."