Dog owners urged to play their part in protecting nesting birds and other wildlife

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is urging dog owners to help protect wildlife during bird nesting season by keeping their pets on leads when visiting nature reserves and other green spaces.

As spring unfolds and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy local green spaces. The Trust welcomes considerate and responsible visitors and their four-legged companions on all but the most sensitive of nature reserves*.

However, dogs must be kept under control and in sight at all times. For most dogs, this means being on a lead. This is especially important during the bird breeding season (1 March to 31 July), when the law requires dogs to be on leads of no more than two metres on open access land, and at all times around livestock.

Uncontrolled dogs can have a significant impact on wildlife. Birds perceive dogs as predators, and when dogs roam freely, birds may abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks cold, unprotected and vulnerable. Many dog owners are passionate about nature and want to avoid harming it. However, even the most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause distress or damage wildlife, simply by following their natural curiosity.

Ground-nesting birds such as lapwing, curlew, skylark, woodcock and ringed plover are particularly at risk at this time of year. Many other species, including hedgehogs, voles and harvest mice, also rely on these habitats for shelter and are vulnerable to disturbance. 

The Trust is also reminding visitors to stick to designated paths where there is public access, and to always clear up after their dogs and take waste home. Uncollected dog waste can harm both wildlife and grazing livestock.

Every year, there are reports of dog attacks on livestock used for conservation grazing on Wildlife Trust nature reserves and farmland across the UK. Neighbouring Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is also urging dog owners to keep their pets on a lead after a sheep was recently killed on one of its sites. Government legislation now allows for unrestricted fines to be levied on owners whose dogs harm or chase livestock.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Trust of Beds, Cambs & Northants recently took the difficult decision to temporarily close a woodland nature reserve in Cambridgeshire to the public after repeated instances of dogs off leads disturbing birds and harming wildflower habitats. 

Marta Alfaro Tirado, Nature Recovery Manager (South) at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, says:

“We certainly don’t want to temporarily close any of our nature reserves during the sensitive bird-nesting season, as we want nature to be as accessible as possible for people’s health, wellbeing and enjoyment. However, our foremost priority has to be protecting the wildlife on our reserves, and so we ask visitors to please do their bit to help preserve these beautiful places and keep the wildlife safe from harm.”

David Oakes, actor, dog owner and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking Indy out on a walk in the country and letting her explore like her ancestors. But whether visiting a reserve, or when out in nature more generally, I know how important her lead is. Whether there’s livestock, horse-riders, waterfowl, ground-nesting birds, seal pups or even a beaver dam – the lead is essential for every responsible nature-loving dog owner.

“Like me, she loves exploring and taking in the sight and sounds of nature but I’m aware wildlife is suffering severe declines in the UK, and dogs in wild places can cause problems, especially from February through to the end of summer when many species are breeding. Let’s all ‘paws for thought’ and try to do our bit in helping to protect nature whilst out with our beloved four-legged friends.”

The Trust is also encouraging people to support wildlife closer to home during the nesting season. Simple actions in gardens can make a big difference, such as avoiding cutting back hedges and shrubs where birds may be nesting, putting out fresh water, and allowing areas of grass to grow longer to provide shelter for insects and small mammals. Even small spaces can offer vital refuge during this critical time of year.

From designated walking paths to understanding the changing wildlife seasons, The Wildlife Trusts say there is plenty that people can do to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at its reserves – on two legs or four!

Further information:

• See guidance on following The Countryside Code and keeping dogs on leads here: https://www.wildsheffield.com/countrysidecode/
• See https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/dogs-and-nature for more information about responsible dog walking.
• For information on the new legislation about dogs, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-comes-into-force-to-protect-farm-animals-from-dog-attacks

*Please note that nature reserves and farmland with particularly sensitive species and habitats are closed to people and dogs. This includes Hammond’s Field SSSI, Agden Bog and Ughill Farm (outside of rights of way/CROW access land).