Hitchin Lavender has made a desperate plea to visitors, after a number of plants were killed by people sitting on them.

The popular attraction in Ickleford welcomes thousands every summer, and has become on of the most Instagrammed floral locations in the UK, with people flocking to walk through the expansive fields.

But, people deciding to sit on the lavender plants to take pictures has become a real problem, with a post from the official Hitchin Lavender Facebook page pleading with visitors "please don't kill our lavender".

A video was posted alongside the statement showing a destroyed lavender plant.

"Lavenders take years to mature. In 10 seconds, hundreds of our bushes - the majority of which are between 10 and 25 years old - are being killed by some visitors wanting to sit on them.

"Our lavenders are habitat to bees, butterflies, moths, skylarks, spiders, mice, hares, game birds and a huge array of small bugs. Many more animals feed off these creatures such as swallows, red kites, buzzards and foxes.

"So please refrain from destroying their home and for for ruining the views for your fellow visitors to enjoy."

The post received more than 800 reactions and almost 100 comments, with many asking why people had decided to sit on the plants.