Dog walking on our nature reserves
We're proud that our nature reserves are inviting places for people who want to walk in nature.
But, did you know, our nature reserves are fragile wild places and offer a different experience to other green spaces like country parks? Through sensitive management and dedicated conservation work, they have become vital refuges and safe havens where wildlife has the space to live, feed and breed.
It is our preference that visitors refrain from bringing their dogs to our nature reserves, however if do you choose to bring your dog for a walk at one of our nature reserves where dogs are permitted, please keep dogs on leads to ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors. By respecting the natural habitat and allowing wildlife to behave normally, you will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and the chance to witness the wonders of nature.
We ask you to help us look after the wildlife that depends on these peaceful sites by following our top tips:
Plan your visit
- Check our reserve pages to find out where dogs can be walked on leads and those reserves where no dogs (other than assistance dogs) are allowed.
- For the safety and comfort of all visitors, volunteers and staff, only assistance dogs are allowed in our education centres.
Always keep your dog on a lead
- Where dogs are allowed on our nature reserves, we ask you to keep them on a lead at all times in order to protect wildlife and habitats, as well as to ensure that all visitors can see and enjoy the wildlife.
- We work hard to make our reserves exceptional places for wildlife and by keeping dogs on leads, and keeping to paths, disturbance to wildlife is kept to a minimum.
Always pick up after your dog
- Please ensure you always pick up after your dog and put bagged dog poo in a bin or take it home.
- Did you know the nutrients in dog mess make it much harder for wildflowers to thrive? They need low nutrient soils and dog poo adds nutrients, which encourages an over abundance of thistles and nettles that outcompete the wildflowers.
- Common parasites in dog poo can have a serious effect on livestock that may result in the death of sheep, abortion in cattle and can also have serious impacts for human health.
Be aware of grazing animals
- The majority of our sites are managed with the help of grazing animals. Dogs must always be on a lead around grazing animals for your own safety and to avoid harming or distressing the livestock.
- It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. But if cattle approach you, it's best to let your dog off the lead, and call them back when it's safe to do so.
Keep dogs out of the water
- If your dog is treated for fleas, the treatments have been found to harm aquatic life, poisoning rivers, streams, ponds and lakes, and can find its way into our drinking water. Keeping your dog on a lead will ensure that they keep out of water.
- There are lots of responsible dog owners but, unfortunately, just one dog running loose could cause a ground-nesting bird to leave its nest, or a reptile to use vital, hard-earned energy fleeing into the undergrowth. Ultimately, this kind of disturbance can impact wildlife populations.
- We greatly value our supporters' help in setting an example and communicating the importance of appropriate behaviour in these precious wild places.
Why we ask you to keep dogs on leads
We need to minimise disturbance to wildlife
Dogs are beloved companions and part of the family, but to wildlife they’re a big and scary predator. Asking you to keep your dog on a lead, or reserving some wild places solely for wildlife, ensures the animals living there are free from disturbance.
When dogs stray off paths, wildlife including birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles become scared and move away. This means that animals, who already have very little space remaining in the UK, are less likely to breed and feed in a habitat where they encounter dogs.
Did you know, bird species such as skylark, nightjar, warblers, nightingale, stone curlew and waders all either nest directly on the ground or in low scrub? Dogs, with their amazing sense of smell, can easily detect a nest, and these birds will leave their nests if a dog approaches off a lead. Birds may not get the opportunity to breed if they are unable to settle or make a nest, and if the eggs are left uncovered for too long, they are likely to fail.
Disturbance to winter birds means they stop feeding or resting and may even fly away. If the birds cannot feed and rest, they will not have enough energy to survive.
Follow the Coastal Code to minimise disturbance to birds - https://birdaware.org/solent/the-coastal-code
The impact of dog waste and dog medication
Pick it up for wildlife
When dog poo is left on the ground, it changes the plant species that grow.
Rather than vegetable-based diets of grazing animals, the increase in meat-based poo, high in protein, nutrients and nitrogen, means that habitats such as heathland and woodland-edge plants in particular are outcompeted by species such as nettles and grasses that thrive in a high nutrient environment.
If your dog is treated for worms, ticks and fleas, these treatments can also have an effect on the soil if not picked up.
Pick it up for people
Nature reserves are used by all kinds of different people including children, wheelchair users and volunteers, who are often working to improve wildlife in areas on and near the footpaths.
Cleaning up after your dog prevents others from getting faeces on their feet, hands or clothing, or in the wheels of wheelchairs and pushchairs. This is not just unpleasant – dog faeces can cause serious diseases in humans such as Canine Toxocariasis, which can lead to blindness.
Pick it up for livestock
Common parasites in dog poo can also cause serious disease and death in livestock. Neosporosis can cause pregnant cows lose their young, and Sarcocystosis can cause neurological disease and death in sheep.