Walkers who regularly visit a protected ancient woodland in Wiltshire have shared their outrage after dog poo bags were seen hanging from the trees.

Savernake Forest is an ancient woodland just outside of Marlborough that is home to The Big Belly Oak, a famous Oak tree estimated to be older than William the Conquerer himself.

The site is managed by Forestry England and is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as a registered important historic park.

But recent images of the forest show dog poo bags filled with excrement hanging like decorations on the protected trees.

"I just can't understand the rationale behind this," said Robert Preston, who was outraged when he spotted the unsightly 'decorations' at Postern Hill in Savernake Forest.

"What thought process goes into the decision to take a naturally produced biodegradable product which, if left alone, will be absorbed into the environment in a few days, and put it into a non-biodegradable plastic bag and then hang it on a tree like some obscene Christmas Tree decoration where it will remain for months."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The hanging poo bags have been described as like some obscene Christmas tree decorationThe hanging poo bags have been described as like some obscene Christmas tree decoration (Image: Robert Preston)

Robert is the owner of two working gundogs and told the Gazette he had nothing against dogs or their owners, but has urged dogwalkers to take more care of the environment around them.

"I see no reason why a lovely forest like Savernake should be ruined by the thoughtless behaviour of irresponsible dog owners," he added.

Savernake Forest is well known for its history and beauty, and in 2023 it was named nationally as one of the most scenic autumn walks in the UK.

But other ramblers have taken to social media to share their disgust at the nature sight which is being ruined by inconsiderate dog walkers.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Tourists travel from miles around to see the famous Big Belly Oak in Savernake ForestTourists travel from miles around to see the famous Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest (Image: Newsquest)

"It makes no sense to place your plastic poo bags on the fences and trees when walking in Savernake - it is pretty deliberate and common," said one Marlborough local.

"Use a stick to flick dog poo into the undergrowth which is much safer for wildlife and doesn’t leave the trash for someone to volunteer to pick up for you.

"In a forest, leaving dog poo on the ground is better than picking it up and leaving it on a fence, tree branch or your tow bar,  pretending you will pick it up later."