Visitors to National Trust sites in Suffolk and Essex will be forgiven for doing a double-take this week.

They will be greeted with quirky signs telling them to “Keep on the Grass”, “Please Do Touch” and “Reserved: for fun and games”.

The colourful signs are part of a campaign by the heritage charity to encourage people to enjoy the natural world around them.

The move is also designed to challenge out-dated misconceptions that the organisation is pre-occupied by rules.

Ben Cowell, the National Trust’s regional director for the east of England, said: “The National Trust cares for some truly special natural places, such as woodlands, heaths, parks, beaches, gardens, fields and nature reserves.

“All of these places come to life in May and June with bluebells, buttercups, rhododendrons and roses in bloom, while some of our most colourful wildlife, such as songbirds and butterflies, start to make an appearance.

“We also know from research that some people still view us as being very formal with lots of rules and regulations.

“I could encourage those people to come along and see how we have changed over the years.”

Visitors will be able to spot the signs at Ickworth House, Melford Hall, Sutton Hoo and Dunwich Heath in Suffolk as well as at Hatfield Forest, Flatford and other sites in Essex from the end of May and throughout June.