Large flytip at Burbush car park, off Pound Lane, between Burley and Bransgore

Names and addresses were found in a large flytip dumped in a New Forest car park near Burley this morning (Friday).

A handful of residents rallied round to help clear the dumping at Burbush car park, off Pound Lane, after a photo was shared on social media.

One said it was important to make sure loose items did not blow across the Forest.

“It’s disgusting and it smells so the ponies will be interested. We’ve got to do something,” she added.

Comprising mostly household items – including a mattress, food, electrical items and loose batteries – names and addresses were found on envelopes and documents among the rubbish.

There was a raft of praise shared on social media for those who cleared the mess. One said: “So amazingly kind to clear what is a busy parking area, especially on a weekend.”

Another added: “It's beyond belief just how some human beings can be so uncaring of there environment, nature and could do such a terrible thing. I hope they are caught and have to pay.”

Burbush is a popular beauty spot, particularly with dogwalkers, as it gives access to a path on the old Holmsley railway line.

The tip has been reported to Hampshire police, and a spokesperson said it had notified Forestry England and also an agister “should this present a hazard to free-roaming animals”.

A Forestry England spokesperson said evidence was collected including “details of several addresses”. “This is being investigated by the appropriate authorities,” they added

An area of the car park was cordoned off before the waste was removed.