Dog walkers across Gedling borough are being urged to keep their pets on short leads to help ground-nesting birds at wildlife sites and nature reserves this spring and summer.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust say some birds, such as the curlew, are making their fragile nests on the ground, tucked away safely in long grass.
However, an exuberant or inquisitive pooch, wandering or bounding through grass or heather, disturbs wildlife, scares adult birds off nests or tramples eggs, and vulnerable chicks can quickly perish if they are left alone for too long.
“Dogs off leads can be a real issue for nesting birds on our nature reserves, especially at sites where most of the grassland habitat is narrow strips alongside paths,” said John Rattray, head of nature recovery (south) at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
“When dogs wander off the path into the grassland or reedbeds closer to the water’s edge, they are unwittingly disturbing birds as they go.
“Many of our team, myself included, have dogs, so we understand the pleasure that a walk with your furry friend can bring, but allowing dogs to run loose on nature reserves can be devastating for wildlife, particularly in spring when species are breeding and vulnerable.
“We are asking dog walkers to be sensitive by keeping their pets on a short lead, sticking to paths, and properly disposing of dog poo. Wildlife is already under enormous pressure — let’s all keep dogs on leads so as not to make things worse.”
James Brittain-McVey, lead guitarist of The Vamps, dog owner and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts said: “I’ve learnt, as a rescue dog owner, the importance of keeping your dog under control at all times. And at this time of year, it’s especially important to remember that we can all play our part in helping birds breed successfully by keeping dogs on short leads in wild places — especially when so many species are having such a hard time.”
Many people think of birds’ nests as being high up in trees, but a surprising number nest on the ground or just above it, in low bushes.
For example, willow warblers tuck themselves away at the base of trees and bushes in woods and open areas with scattered trees, meadow pipits hide their eggs in grassy tussocks on commons and meadows, and nightjars lay their eggs directly onto the ground in heathlands
Oystercatcher, ringed plover and little tern eggs and chicks are brilliantly camouflaged among pebbles and shore areas making them easy to disturb on wetland sites or when visiting beaches.
Keeping dogs on short leads will also benefit other wildlife that can be harmed or disturbed by enthusiastic pooches — from snakes to seals and amphibians to mammals as well as livestock, often used to help manage fragile habitats.
The law says people must keep dogs on a lead no longer than two metres between March 1 and July 31 when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.
The trust is asking people to follow the same approach when visiting nature reserves — and preferably all year round.
For safety, you should also always keep your dog on a lead around grazing animals, although it’s safer to let your dog off if you are chased by cows or horses.