CALLOUS fly-tippers put people and animals in danger by dumping more than 50 knife blades at a New Forest beauty spot.

Rangers from the National Trust’s New Forest team were shocked to discover that a tin of Stanley knife blades had been strewn across Half Moon Common.

Fifty-seven were found at the common, near West Wellow, which is used by dog walkers, families and livestock.

“Half Moon Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and contains some of the most internationally protected habitats and wildlife in Europe” said Jennifer Sutton, community ranger. “This damaging act has endangered people, wildlife and our commoner’s livestock, as well as being illegal.”

“Half Moon Common is a favourite destination for dog walkers, families and horse riders from local towns and villages. Due to the distribution of the knives I can only imagine that the perpetrator wanted to cause real harm.”

Following Friday’s discovery the area has since been checked thoroughly and all blades removed and disposed of correctly, and the incident reported to Hampshire Constabulary, said the trust.

Fly-tipping has occurred on three of the trust’s five commons on the edge of the New Forest over recent weeks.

The dumping of the blades comes just days after another fly-tipping incident at Ibsley Common where broken glass, scrap metal, oil and nails were recovered by National Trust Lead ranger Lee Hulin.

“This fly-tip presented a direct hazard to pigs that were foraging in the immediate area” he explained. “We cleared the site immediately to prevent pigs being hurt when they forage through the waste.”

The National Trust’s New Forest team are appealing for people to report any suspicious activity on trust commons by calling 01425 6500350 or emailing info.newforest@nationaltrust.org.uk.