People heading to the Lake District with their climbing tropes have been reminded that the start of March brings new restrictions to cover the nesting season for birds of prey.

A number of crags will be off-limits for this period to ensure birds like peregrine falcons and ravens can breed safely and without being disturbed, with national park staff and climbing organisations having agreed these.

Park management ranger Peter Barron said: "The restrictions we agree detail some of the key breeding crags, but equally important is highlighting the issue of disturbance of protected or vulnerable species to the climbing fraternity in general."

He added that climbers in the Lake District do tend to be "respectful" of the restrictions, which are lifted as soon as the nesting season has passed.

Popular climbing sports in the national park include Napes Needle on Great Gable, Pillar Rock and Broad Stand on Scafell.

Those wishing to climb in the Lakes while avoiding damage to wildlife or the environment may wish to read publications like the British Mountaineering Council's Green Guide to the Lakes.