11/05/2026
Please keep dogs on leads! 🐾
Many of us have a four legged friend (the type that barks) and on the surface our nature reserves might seem like the perfect place to let them off the lead.
However dogs off their lead can lead to many issues that we might not even notice or know about.
🛑 Dogs can disturb the nests of many animals including mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles and our rarest ground nesting birds, often leading to an abandonment of the nest and an unsuccessful breeding season.
🐄 Livestock disturbance - unfortunately this is becoming more prevalent with our team already having to deal with cases of livestock being chased, attacked and stuck in places where they need rescuing.
💩 Dog poo - When dogs are off the lead it can be missed when they need picking up after. Not only does it ruin your day if stepped on, but dog poo can carry disease, poison the soil, and ruins the pristine landscape we are striving to create.
🐾 Not everyone is a dog lover - It is normal for people to be scared of dogs, you may know your pooch is friendly but other's don't (including wildlife). Our nature reserves often have educational groups on them, as well as people trying to soak in nature and the beautiful wildlife that live there.
On the reserves where we allow dogs, we ask all visitors planning on walking their dog to keep their dog on a lead.
