A suspected “poaching” camp has been dismantled at the Leg O’Mutton reservoir in Barnes following a tip-off from a member of the public.

Animals had been heard squawking in distress at the nature reserve before Richmond Council took apart the camp.

A man, who asked not to be named, said he saw two men behaving in a “suspicious way” on Sunday, August 16, in the reservoir near Lonsdale Road.

He said: “There was a block to the public trail where trees had been cut down and branches laid to deter people from going that way. “Twitchers need to know that while it’s great that there’s sanctuary at the wetland centre, they may be endangered half a mile away. If poaching is going on, it’s atrocious and it’s illegal.”

A Richmond Council spokesman said: “Officers will be returning to inspect.

“Open space is often used for unauthorised camping.

“Poaching on any site is not something we condone and we would always treat the matter with utmost importance.”

Pamela Fleming, council cabinet member for environment, said: “It is important for people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious incidents.”