NATIONAL Park chiefs are urging visitors to respect the countryside after seeing an increase in rubbish left at beauty spots.

In recent weeks, the North York Moors National Park Authority's rangers have cleared up parts of the moors left in a state by weekend visitors.

On one occasion they hauled 20 bags of rubbish from a waterway.

The Yorkshire Dales has also been blighted by rubbish left by day-trippers and the National Park Authority chairman Neil Heseltine said: “It’s been great to see so many people coming out into the National Park over the last few weeks, but sad to see so much litter being left behind.

"So please, no more rubbish excuses, take your litter home.

“I say this knowing the devastating effects littering and disposable barbecues have on plants and wildlife, including livestock trapped or tangled up in plastic bags and packaging, and animals cut by sharp objects that have been discarded in fields.

“We want everyone to come and enjoy a great day out in the National Park and to head home refreshed and re-energised, both mentally and physically, and with all their litter.

"Remember - respect the land, respect the community, and most importantly, respect each other, and stick to the two-metre social distancing rule.”

The North York Moors National Park Authority has increased its staff and volunteer presence to deal with the rubbish issue.

Members of the education team will work alongside rangers at visitor hotspots to engage with visitors and help them to enjoy the countryside responsibly to everyone’s benefit.

Mary-Jane Alexander, youth engagement officer for the Authority, said: “Following recent littering, including one scenario where our rangers had to pull 20 bags of rubbish from the water, we just want more people to be aware of the impacts this will have on both our wildlife and the local communities who call the National Park their home.

“Since social distancing measures were first put in place, many people have revaluated what the countryside means to them.

"By not being allowed to travel, more people recognise just how important it is to be able to get out and explore nature, but we must understand the importance of protecting such spaces."