A BEAUTY spot has been left “barren and overgrown”, forcing visitors to dodge brambles and bushes.

Frustrated residents claim Rayleigh Mount, managed by the National Trust, has become unkempt because no-one appears to be looking after it.

However, others suggest it was part of a deliberate attempt to allow wildflowers to flourish, also enabling birds and wildlife to thrive.

Rick McKay, from Rayleigh, a regular walker through Rayleigh Mount, said: “It’s never been like this in the 20 years I’ve lived here.

“The walkways are covered in brambles, people are having to dodge the thorns.

“It looks like no one’s been looking after it, or they couldn’t be bothered too.

“It looks barren and there wasn’t any wildlife there, there’s usually ducks with the ducklings but there was no sign.

“It was remarkably unkempt.”

Mr McKay, 53, added: “I walk through the park most days with my wife and two kids, it’s so unusual that it’s been left like this.

“It’s never looked this overgrown. It was such a shock when we saw it how it was.

“I’m certainly happy to give a helping hand to whoever is in charge of the maintenance.

“People were saying that it’s good for the wildlife. I’m no botanist or wildlife expert but it hasn’t been struggling there before.”

However, visitor Christina Jacobs responded: “Large areas have been recently cleared to allow wild flowers to regenerate. The grass is being allowed to grow in some areas with paths being mown through them.

“The pond is being monitored and work undertaken in an attempt to clear the green weed.

“The birds and wildlife thrive there.

“I don’t think it is fair to refer to it as an overgrown neglected mess, if you prefer something more manicured then King Georges Park offers a different experience of tended rose beds and cropped grass.

“Rayleigh Mount is owned by the National Trust and volunteer conservation working parties working alongside National Trust Rangers come to help with maintenance. Anyone can volunteer. All the information regarding work is on the notice boards around the Mount.”

The Echo has contacted the National Trust for a comment but has not responded to requests for information about Rayleigh Mount and its strategy for the site.