It's stunning carpet of bluebells has made it a favourite place for thousands of nature-lovers and photographers from all over the world drawn to its beauty.

But it seems Rannerdale in the North Lakes has become too popular for its own good, and the wonder of the natural world is in danger of being lost to trampling.

And now the National Trust is saying it may have to take the drastic step of closing the area, situated between Buttermere and Crummock Water, off to visitors entirely in the short-term.

The Trust says despite upping the levels of signage at Rannerdale, and roping off areas, the hoards of visitors are 'loving to death' the blooming, blue flowers.

Tom Burditt, National Trust General Manager, North Lakes, said that the Trust and their farm tenants estimate that in just the last four years, about 20 to 25 per cent of the bluebells have been lost to trampling.

"We therefore need to get the message out that without changes to the behaviour of people visiting, that the bluebells are at risk of not being there in future," said Mr Burditt.

The trust lists Rannerdale as the top spot in their table of five place to see bluebells in Cumbria.

They say the bluebells draw visitors from around the world, and local legend has it that they grew in the place where native Briton's fought their last stand against Norman invaders.

Unlike the other places mentioned above, the bluebells at Rannerdale grow in open fields, with most of the valley turning blue when they are in bloom.

In order to save the bluebells, and access to them, the trust is asking visitors to respect the signs and ropes and stay off the out of the flowers. "This includes walking down the small trods that are getting wider and wider. We would also ask, if possible, for photographs to be taken only from the main gate," said Mr Burditt.

"Only by doing this will there still be spring bluebells there for us all, our children and grandchildren, to enjoy in the future," he added. "These bluebells are only there because of the sensitive management by our amazing farm tenants over many generations."