THE protectors of the Malvern Hills are pleading with people to stop metal detecting on the site before "irreplaceable" archaeology is damaged forever.

The plea comes after two men were spotted with metal detectors and shovels on the ancient hills earlier this month.

The Malvern Hills Conservators received a report from members of the public of two men roaming on the slopes of Pinnacle Hill on October 12.

This comes a year after rogue treasure hunters left around 50 holes on the ridge-line between Perseverance Hill and Black Hill.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: "While we haven't seen any damage caused this time, people need to be aware that byelaws state it is actually illegal to metal detect on the Malvern Hills.

"The Hills are also a site of special scientific interest, which many animals call home and we need to protect this. When people dig on the hills they ruin and damage the turf, and the turf takes a long time to grow back.

"Also, if someone damages any of the ancient archaeology on the hills, that's irreplaceable. Many people won't realise it's illegal to do this, so we want to make people away that it is, and that people should report it to us when they see people digging or metal detecting on the hills."

Anyone convicted of metal detecting on the hills could face a fine.

Last year's reports of metal detecting on the Hills came in September and saw serious damage done to the grasslands. The digging also threatened the Shire Ditch, an important

archaeological site, which runs along the spine of the Hills.

The ditch, which has historically marked the boundary between Herefordshire and Worcestershire, is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, and was fortified in the 11th century.

It is designated as a Scheduled Monument, which means that it is an offence to destroy or damage it, or to use a metal detector there.

To report metal detecting to the Conservators, call 01684 892002.