We want everybody to enjoy our local nature reserves. This includes your dog and the wildlife that live and grow there.
Your dog can affect wild animals and plants all year round. Please make the most of our reserves, but do so responsibly and keep close control of your dog.
- Many wild animals perceive dogs as predators. This can cause stress and illness and reduce reproduction. It can cause them to leave their homes, which reduces the amount of space in which they can feed, breed and rest.
- Dogs’ scent can repel some animals. Their nitrate-rich urine and faeces is a threat to some native plants.
- Tick and flea treatments can pollute water and affect aquatic plants and animals.
Bird-nesting season
Bird-nesting season runs from 1 March to 31 July. We encourage you to keep your dog on a lead at this time. This will reduce the impact it can have on birds nesting on or near the ground.
Some of our reserves are covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order. You must keep your dog on a lead at these reserves during bird-nesting season. Read about dog control to find out more.
