Springtime brings with it the arrival of many migratory bird species, who travel thousands of miles to nest on nature reserves across the country. These birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance between February and August.  

Keeping dogs close by will help ensure that ground-nesting birds such as skylarks, lapwings, and nightingales are not harmed during the breeding season. Unsupervised dogs can cause birds to abandon their nests, so it’s vital that they are kept close by and under control. 

Interactions between people and nature at this time of year can have long-lasting effects, and a significant impact on the breeding success and survival rates of the birds.  

Karen Kingston, Visitor Engagement Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, says: “As a nation of dog lovers, we all want to enjoy the great outdoors with our furry companions. But we must also remember that we share these spaces with wildlife that depends on them for survival.  

“One of the biggest challenges is how difficult these nests can be to spot, even for trained eyes, in open locations where you would expect to see them. Their natural camouflage makes them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidental disturbance. 

“By keeping dogs on leads during the ground-nesting bird season, we can help protect vulnerable birds and other species. Small changes in our behaviour can make a big difference, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in our beautiful landscapes.” 

Barton Meadows Nature Reserve, near Winchester, is a vital habitat for skylarks. Males can be seen hovering high in the sky, singing continuously before parachuting back to the ground. Despite their aerial displays, skylarks nest on the ground, laying three to four eggs in well-hidden scrapes among the grass. 

Due to disturbance, the Trust has had to fence off certain areas of Barton Meadows to protect nesting skylarks, ensuring they can successfully raise their young. By keeping to marked paths and keeping dogs on leads, visitors can help safeguard these vulnerable birds and support their continued breeding success at the reserve. 

The UK lapwing population has plummeted by 55% since 1967 ¹. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve near Totton provides a crucial sanctuary for these ground-nesting birds, but their future here is uncertain.  

As Karen explains: “To protect lapwings, we install seasonal fencing around nesting areas. This effort has led to more chicks successfully fledging each year. But if disturbed by dogs coming close to the fences or jumping over them, adult lapwings may abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators and the elements.”  

Botley Woods, located between Southampton and Fareham, is a stronghold for nightingales - but their numbers are worryingly low - the UK breeding population has decreased by 42 per cent (1995-2022) ².  

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has been working with Hampshire County Council, the landowners, to create the perfect habitat conditions at Botley Woods to support this declining species.  

Karen adds: “We’ve been collaborating with rangers from Hampshire County Council on the practical management of scrub habitat that ground-nesting birds rely on. However, all our efforts will be in vain if dogs disturb the birds.” 

Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve, located on the outskirts of Portsmouth, is a crucial sanctuary for ground-nesting birds, including lapwings, redshanks, and skylarks.  

This special habitat provides a safe space for these vulnerable species to breed, but disturbance from dogs remains a serious threat to their survival. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is working tirelessly to protect these birds by ensuring key nesting areas remain undisturbed, particularly during the delicate breeding season. 

Arreton Down Nature Reserve, located on the Isle of Wight, is a rich chalk grassland habitat that supports a diverse array of wildlife. Notably, it provides a haven for ground-nesting birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits.  

The skylark, renowned for its high, hovering song flights, nests directly on the ground, creating well-camouflaged scrapes among the grass and low vegetation. These nests are extremely vulnerable to disturbance, as even a brief interruption can cause adult skylarks to abandon their eggs or chicks, leaving them exposed to predators and the elements.  

The meadow pipit, a small, streaky brown bird, constructs cup-shaped nests on the ground, often concealed among grass or heather. During the breeding season, meadow pipits perform a distinctive 'parachute' display flight, fluttering and descending slowly while singing. Once common and widespread, the meadow pipit has been in decline since the mid-1970s, resulting in the species being included on the Amber List of UK birds of conservation concern.  

Many dog owners are passionate about nature and want to avoid harming it. However, even the most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause distress or damage wildlife, simply by following their natural curiosity. 

Birds perceive dogs as predators and when dogs roam freely, birds may abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks cold and unprotected. 

To protect these vulnerable birds during their nesting season (February to August), it is crucial for visitors to keep dogs on leads, ensuring that these species can successfully raise their young without disruption. 

Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, says: “Dogs enrich our lives, but they also bring a level of responsibility. Whilst many of us enjoy taking our dogs for long walks, especially as it becomes a bit warmer, we urge dog owners to consider their surroundings, particularly when visiting areas where they might encounter wildlife. 

“When visiting rural areas, owners should keep their dogs under control and ensure they do not worry other animals or stray from the path, as well as dispose of their dog's waste appropriately. We would advise keeping your dog on a short lead, and close to you, especially whenever livestock are nearby. It is important to remember that chasing is normal dog behaviour, and that any dog is capable of chasing, irrelevant of breed, type, age or size. We would encourage owners to explore training options such as the Dogs Trust’s Dog School.” 

From designated walking paths to understanding the changing wildlife seasons, The Wildlife Trusts say there is plenty that people can do to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at its reserves – on two legs or four. 

See here for more information about responsible dog walking. 

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Sources:  

1 https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-we-do/influence-government-and-business/farming/advice-for-farmers-helping-bird-species/lapwing-advice-for-farmers  

2 https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/nightingale