RAMBLERS are being reminded to avoid walking through long grass areas of a park where skylarks are nesting.

Skylarks are nesting in the long grass area of Gosbecks Archaeological Park, in Colchester.

Council Council has issued a warning urging people to not go through the long grass on their visit.

A spokesman said: "There are ground nesting skylarks at Gosbecks Archaeological Park.

"Please avoid walking and running through the long grass when visiting.

"Skylarks are protected and we’re working to ensure its beautiful song is heard for years to come."

Visitors should keep to the mowed paths and large tracks and keep dogs on a lead or under very close control, to avoid disturbing the birds, from now until the end of August.

Skylarks are ground nesting birds and are protected due to declining numbers.

The council’s countryside rangers have installed temporary signage around the areas where they are nesting, giving visitors information about these protected birds and what they can do to support a successful breeding season.