TEENAGERS camping at a nature reserve near Welwyn have been accused of leaving the site resembling a rubbish dump.

The campers left behind a tent, airbed, empty drink cans and other litter at Mardley Heath Nature Reserve – to the disgust of one dog walker.

Chris Ellis, who walks her dog twice a day across the reserve, said: “This has happened several times before.”

She explained how groups of youngsters had been holding “wild parties” throughout the summer, leaving the site a mess with broken glass bottles and litter everywhere.

The concerned woman, who lives nearby, said she had brought it to the police’s attention, but was informed they were powerless to intervene on the matter.

The nature reserve is managed by Welwyn Hatfield Council.

Landscapes and ecology officer Chris James told the Welwyn Hatfield Times that any partying or drinking on the site contravened the Woodland Code.

“This should not be happening,” she added.