Wild antics are enough to make Bill Oddie blush.

'WARNING – the following bird hide may contain scenes of a sexual nature inappropriate for young viewers.’

This is the kind of warning that may soon be issued by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to the county’s birdwatchers.

After a report of suspected ‘hanky-panky’ being heard from a bird hide, the trust is reminding everyone that hides should be used for watching wildlife.

Rachel Shaw, the public relations officer for the trust, explained that there have been many instances of inappropriate behaviour taking place on Lincolnshire’s nature reserves, not just limited to sexual shenanigans.

“There’s certain things that go on at nature reserves that shouldn’t,” she said.

“One report came from a visitor who had overheard certain noises coming from the bird hides in South Lincolnshire.

“On top of that, we’ve had people cycling, horse riding, and even setting the grass on fire.

“It needs to be remembered that when people visit nature reserves, there are regulations in place to protect the habitat and environment.

“Nature reserves are for quiet enjoyment only. Anything else could possibly disturb or cause harm to the animals that live there.”

Ms Shaw also said Lincolnshire was fortunate to have dedicated wildlife crime officers to prevent things such as indecent behaviour taking place in wildlife reserves.

Erica Howe, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said it was unfortunate that Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had had to take such a measure out of concern for the general public.

“Wildlife-watching hides are designed for people to enjoy wildlife in, and we would hope that people will respect this,” she said.

“Because of the nature of these hides, they are often simple, basic structures. It could be unsafe for them to be used for any activities other than which they are
intended.”

Lincoln Police issued a statement saying that they were not aware of an increase reports regarding public sex acts, but if they did receive a complaint, then it would be dealt with as appropriate in
relation to the circumstances and the
offence.

PC Nick Willey, the West Division wildlife crime officer, explained that wildlife hides were often used as places for anti-social activity up and down the country.

“Up and down the country, hides are used for all sorts of things like drinking dens, and places for teens to hang out,” explained PC Willey.

“The best thing to do is report this kind of behaviour to the police, the wildlife trust or any warden monitoring the wildlife hide.

“That way if these instances become regular occurrences, local officers can pay more attention.”