The owner of a country estate says he hung dozens of bags of dog waste up on a gate to provide a "short, sharp shock" to those who leave rubbish and waste on his land.

Shortly after New Year, Henry Holland-Hibbert, who owns the sprawling Munden Estate on the outskirts of Watford, decided to hang 71 bags of dog poo at one of the main pedestrian entrances onto the estate.

He accompanied the waste with a sign that read: 'Dear Visitors. This is what you left us for Christmas (71 bags). You and your dogs are welcome. Your dog poo is not. Please take it home'.

Mr Holland-Hibbert says the 71 bags of dog waste was picked up by himself and one of just two staff members he has, along just one of many public footpaths on his estate, between Christmas and New Year.

The landowner says since the pandemic began, his land has become hugely popular with dogwalkers and families out for a stroll but said littering and dog waste has become a real problem.

Watford Observer: The notice and bags left by Mr Holland-Hibbert at one of the main public entrances to his estate. Credit: Henry Holland-HibbertThe notice and bags left by Mr Holland-Hibbert at one of the main public entrances to his estate. Credit: Henry Holland-Hibbert

He told the Observer: "Access to the countryside is free and open to all, but it should also not be abused. My job is to look after the land.

"One of my gripes is the inability for public to look after their litter and waste. We have seen a huge increase in people visiting and 95 per cent who visit are charming, law abiding neighbours and we welcome them with open arms.

"But we have also learned that some people do not respect this is private land. They treat it like a tipping ground."

Watford Observer: Mr Holland-Hibbert shared this image of rubbish left on his landMr Holland-Hibbert shared this image of rubbish left on his land

Mr Holland-Hibbert's decision to personally hang the dog waste he collected on his land by the entrance to the estate has not gone down well with everyone.

Watford resident Chris Marshall, who regularly wonders through the Munden Estate, which stretches out to Bricket Wood, told the Observer: "I understand why the landowner gets frustrated with dog-walkers and I can understand why they want to get something done about it, as indeed any reasonable person will, but this action does not encourage co-operation from a small minority of offenders.

"Dog poo is a known source of Toxicara, which is especially hazardous to children by causing blindness.

"Hanging the bags at head height suggests the offender had no regard for the safety of the public and was aiming for maximum annoyance."

Watford Observer:

Mr Holland-Hibbert, who is currently the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, acknowledged that the waste can be toxic but argued what he did is no different to those who hang it on trees or fences on his land.

Watford Observer: Henry Holland-Hibbert pictured when he was appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire last springHenry Holland-Hibbert pictured when he was appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire last spring

Mr Marshall added the Munden Estate has "not done all in their power" to reduce dog littering, pointing out there are no waste bins on the estate.

Mr Holland-Hibbert, whose sheep and cattle wander freely across the estate, says he does not want to put bins on his land because he does not believe anyone, including council workers, should be put in a position to clear up or collect someone else's mess.

When asked if he had any regrets about hanging the waste up by the entrance, the landowner said: "(I have) absolutely no regrets, I've got to get the message to people.

"A short sharp shock is more effective to people. If they see this (the entrance), they may think that it’s pretty bloody unpleasant. We are very happy to see people here but we just ask for very simple co-operation."

As of Thursday afternoon, the bags of dog waste remained at the entrance to the estate.