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Dogs off leads harming protected wildlife sites, say conservationists

Dogs off leads at protected nature reserves are disturbing nests, scaring away wintering birds and hampering the efforts of conservationists.

Dogs off leads at protected nature reserves are disturbing nests, scaring away wintering birds and hampering the efforts of conservationists.

That is the message from the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants after several instances of dogs running free and causing disturbance to other animals. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times on Wildlife Trust BCN sites to prevent harm to threatened species and livestock.

A new post has recently been created to help tackle the issue in one of our region’s most precious nature sites, the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA). The area has one of the highest levels of environmental protection and includes the Nene Wetlands, Summer Leys and Titchmarsh nature reserves, home to thousands of wintering wetland birds along with many other rare species of plants, insects and animals.

Lara Jones and Korra

Lara Jones and Korra

Lara Jones (pictured with her dog Korra), SPA Engagement Officer, said: “This is a problem which has grown in recent years as dog ownership has increased and more people are visiting our nature reserves.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the nature on our reserves, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all the responsible dog owners who help us protect them by keeping their dogs on a lead.

“These nature reserves are vital to help threatened species survive; it’s the reason they exist and are protected under our ownership. They are not there to provide a space for dog walkers - although we welcome dogs on leads as it can be a great way for people to connect with nature.

“Loose dogs create a real problem. We’re heading into peak nesting season when a curious dog following a scent can result in a whole brood of chicks being lost – and there are other impacts around the year as well. 

“Even if you know your dog is well behaved and stays close to you, keeping it on a lead helps us send a clear message to other dog owners.

“I love taking my dog Korra out to explore the green spaces near me – time spent outdoors with her is really special. But I love wildlife too, so I make sure she is always on a lead where she should be, and if she needs a run we go to a designated dog exercise area.”

There are more than a million more dogs in the UK compared to a decade ago and conservation and farming groups have increasingly raised the issue of dogs off leads and their impact on wildlife and livestock.

With conservation grazing a vital part of our conservation work, protecting sheep and cows on our land from dog attacks is a priority. And with many people visiting our nature reserves for quiet contemplation and nature watching, loose dogs can create conflict.

For more information, tips and advice on enjoying nature reserves with your dog please visit our webpage www.wildlifebcn.org/dogs

If any groups would like to hear more about dogs on nature reserves then please email and we can provide advice, answer questions and, where possible, attend local meetings.

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