A historic nature site has been closed to the public after repeated calls to keep dogs on leads have gone unheard. 

Tasburgh Enclosure, a 20-acre walking field just south of Norwich which was once an ancient earthworks, has been temporarily closed by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust (NAT). 

NAT oversees a number of historically and archaeologically important sites around the county including Caistor Roman Town and Burgh Castle which are open to visitors year-round. 

READ MORE: Why nature finding a way is a very serious matter in Norfolk

But the trust has said enough is enough after discovering dogwalkers are not obeying its rules. 

Natalie Butler, NAT director, said: "Over the last two years we have been asking visitors to keep their dogs on leads while visiting Tasburgh Enclosure, unfortunately, not everyone has.

Norwich Evening News: The ancient earthworks at Tasburgh are now closed to dogwalkers and visitors The ancient earthworks at Tasburgh are now closed to dogwalkers and visitors (Image: Norfolk Archaeological Trust)

"When trust staff visited the site briefly this morning we counted eight dogs off leads and two on leads. This puts the public, the wildlife and the sheep at risk.

"Therefore, we have made the decision to close the site for a month. This will also allow our new grazier a safe space to graze his sheep."

Ms Butler added that the site will reopen after a month and dogwalkers who keep their pets on leads will be welcomed back.

The trust will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether any steps are needed to protect the local wildlife further.

It is not the first time NAT has needed to close a popular dog-walking spot. 

Last year, Dunston Field at Caistor Roman Town was closed because pregnant ewes could not graze on the field due to dogs off leads and people not picking up their pet's faeces.