'Joy-riding' fears at Quantock Hills beauty spots

Crowcombe Park Gate (pictured) and Wilmot's Pool are two of the worst-affected areas

A recent spate of "joy-riding" and off-road parking in the Quantock Hills is "endangering the unique habitat", rangers have warned.

In a blog post, ranger Rebekah West said the beauty spot was "especially vulnerable" to tyre damage.

Two parts of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - Wilmot's Pool and Crowcombe Park Gate - have been worst-hit, she said.

Ms West urged visitors to use designated car parks.

"The joy-riding and off-road parking is causing impaction and run-off, leading to pollution and a change in conditions," she said.

Ms West said conditions at Wilmot's Pool and Crowcombe Park Gate allow locally-scarce plant species to flourish.

Rangers urged drivers to keep off the grass verges and use designated car parks instead