AN ACTION group set up to protect a popular beauty spot is urging visitors to make sure they protect the environment and stay safe when they visit.

As spring approaches, Sheepwash Action Group is urging people planning a visit to Cod Beck Reservoir near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, to ensure they don’t endanger the environment and local wildlife by having campfires or leaving cans or bottles at the picturesque site.

In 2012, new bylaws were introduced at the reservoir to protect the environment and safety of visitors. They relate to issues such as access and entry to the reservoir, parking, boats, swimming, fishing, camping, pollution, litter and anti-social behaviour.

David Hugill, Hambleton District Councillor for Osmotherley and Swainby, said they also wanted to remind people not to swim in the reservoir, where several people have died over the last 20 years after getting into difficulty in the water.

Cllr Hugill is a member of Sheepwash action group, a collection of volunteers who help preserve the area and work to keep the area tidy. The volunteers are co-ordinated by a manager funded by Yorkshire Water.

“The group was set up because there were so many issues because of the large volumes of people the area attracts and there were so many issues as a result of that,” said Cllr Hugill.

“Camp fires are a particular issue, when a large number of people gather round drinking alcohol and fires late at night.

“We’re asking people to leave the area as you find it; don’t start fires, don’t litter and also be aware that the water in the reservoir is cold, it’s deep and it can kill.”