THE Lulworth Estate has launched a petition urging the government to protect the UK's countryside and coast from 'post-lockdown damage' as thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the beauty spot this summer.

Lulworth Rangers launched the petition this week following the government announcement that foreign holidays are banned until May at the earliest, with anyone attempting to go on a holiday abroad threatened with a £5,000 fine.

The announcement has prompted a surge in bookings for UK holidays which has led to some concern from Lulworth Estate bosses over the impact hoardes of visitors could have on the beauty spot.

Last year, thousands of holidaymakers flocked to Durdle Door to soak up some sun after the first national lockdown. After they were gone, the beach was strewn with litter, including disposable barbecues, sanitary items and human waste, and visitors had graffitied cliffs, causing outrage among locals.

Lulworth Estate bosses have launched the petition in the hope that the government will put funding into an education system to teach visitors the importance of taking responsibility for looking after public spaces.

A spokesman for the Lulworth Estate said: "Remember the almost daily news headlines and images last year of how our natural beauty spots were being abused? Mass littering, fly-camping, graffiti and fire being caused by visitors who were simply unaware of the impact they were having.

"We are asking that the government fund nationwide and sustained countryside public behaviour messaging and education, including messaging ahead of the current lockdown ending, an ongoing campaign directed at 'staycationers' across the UK, and a sustained education initiative creating a lasting legacy.

"We want everyone on a trip or holiday to learn to take collective responsibility for looking after the UK's green (and blue) spaces. Let's face it, with this week's uncertainty for any foreign holidays, it is likely we will all be holidaying in the UK.

"We earnestly do not want a repeat of 2020 for the upcoming season as delicate environments cannot sustain the level of degradation they received last year."

"Join us now in this essential lobby for awareness."

For more information and to sign the petition, visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/574972