MORE than 200 warning signs have gone up in the New Forest asking people not to wreck the breeding season for some of Britain's rarest birds.

Thousands of birds nest on the ground and every year, the Forestry Commission's New Forest keepers and rangers do their best to protect them.

The nests and eggs are constantly at risk of being damaged by walkers, dogs, horses and bicycles.

Commission ranger Jeff Picksley pointed out: "One dog sniffing through the heather, one cycle tyre or one horse's hoof could crush carefully concealed nests or make a bird desert its eggs."

The Commission has pointed out that Britain's populations of ground-nesting birds have gone into decline in recent years because of habitat loss and pollution.

As a result, the Forest has become an increasingly vital bastion for birds in the south and Mr Picksley said: "We need people to work with us to protect this priceless part of our natural heritage.

"All they have to do to stop the tragedy is keep to the recognised paths and tracks."

He also explained that the danger period for birds has already begun, with woodlarks beginning to breed in early April. It continues until the end of July when the last chicks will have fledged.