VOLUNTEERS who care for the environment in their free time were met with a grisly discovery this week – 25 roe and red deer skulls.

A Workington Nature Partnership volunteer found the heads, some only semi-decayed, at Harrington Nature Reserve.

The reserve is just one of the areas of natural beauty managed and maintained by the partnership.

Officer Raegan Blacker found the skulls after responding to a tip-off from concerned dog-walkers and nature lovers.

She discovered bags of dumped deer skulls and antlers in the upper boundaries of the beauty spot.

Raegan said: “Unfortunately, our nature reserves can on occasion be the victim of fly-tipping and littering, but this was one of the more unusual discoveries for the team.

“Workington’s nature reserves are there for everyone to enjoy, and we ask that people respect the sites by not littering, fly-tipping or causing damage to these beautiful parts of our town.”

Nature ranger Susan Cammish said: “We are most grateful for people within the local community, who keep an eye on the important wildlife corridor and let us know if they spot anything out of character for the place.”

Although the hard-working nature partnership volunteers regularly see vandalism and anti-social behaviour on their sites, she added that findings like this one are “rare – but equally very concerning”.

A police spokesperson confirmed “enquiries are ongoing” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

They said: “Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 84 of November 30. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”