REPAIR work is being carried out across the Malvern Hills amid concerns of walkers causing erosion.

A number of footpaths are being mended by the Malvern Hills Trust after an increase in visitors caused by the pandemic.

With more people coming to Malvern to exercise, socialise and get some fresh air, some paths have doubled in width because of grass being trampled by walkers maintaining social distancing.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: “The hills and commons have been such an important part of people’s lives during this difficult time and it’s fantastic to see more people connecting with nature.

“However, all of us have an impact on this sensitive landscape and we’re encouraging people to stick to the paths and avoid walking or cycling on the areas either side of the paths to protect them from further damage.

“The thin soils here are easily washed away once the vegetation has been lost.

"This leaves a loose, rocky surface that’s difficult to walk on.

"It will take time for these areas to recover and we’re asking people to respect these areas so that our wildlife and landscape is there for the next visitors.”

The Trust will be repairing badly eroded areas and erecting temporary fencing in some areas along path edges to allow the vegetation time to recover.

The first part of the Trust’s work will focus on areas near to Beacon Road, a popular route for visitors on the northern Hills.