This was the disgusting state of one rubbish bin earlier today near the Leg of Mutton pond in Bushy Park, overflowing with discarded beer bottles, tin cans, plastic bags and food wrappings.

Bushy Park was full of walkers, joggers and cyclists at the weekend as the temperatures soared to over 20 degrees and the vast majority adhered to the rules.

The appalling evidence of abuse of the government's guidelines on use of the parks for one hour's exercise rather than picnics, BBQ's or sunbathing was just 10 metres away from a cordoned off swan's nest at the edge of the pond.

Phil Edwards, Park Manger, Bushy Park, said: "These are incredibly difficult times for everyone but the nice weather doesn't change the fact that we are in the middle of a crisis.

"Our parks are strictly for exercise only as vital resources to boost physical and mental well-being. This means absolutely no sunbathing or sitting on the grass picnicing.

"Please think of others and use your local green spaces responsibly by following The Royal Parks' Code: Stay Safe, Stay Local, Stay Active and Be Kind.

"Only visit the parks to exercise on your own or with others from your household, and always keep 2m apart from others and please be courteous to others, even if you think they are breaking the rules.

"We can only get through this if we work together to keep ourselves and others safe, and protect the NHS."

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