Shropshire Wildlife Trust manages a number of nature reserves where a number of bird species build very vulnerable nests in long grasses and rushy areas. At Rhos Fiddle near Clun, snipe and curlew are known to nest and skylarks regular nest at other wild area like Nipstone and Catherton Common.

But those nests are often disturbed by inquisitive dogs as they run around reserves to burn off excess energy and excitement. When adult birds are scared away by dogs, they leave their eggs or chicks exposed to predators and the elements, both of which will perish if they are left alone for too long.

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on dog walkers to keep their dogs on short leads to help ground-nesting birds this spring and summer. Whether you’re visiting moorland, fields, urban parks or the beach, there are birds nesting on the ground – or just above it – that can be hard to see and are at risk of trampling, disturbance, and harm.

This isn't an occurrence limited to Shropshire; all across the UK, heathlands, bogs and moors are increasingly popular with dog walkers and the draw of improving weather often attracts increased visitor numbers just as the birds are beginning to nest. On The Long Mynd and Stiperstones, red grouse nests are regularly disturbed when the numbers are already very low.

The call from The Wildlife Trusts is backed by James Brittain-McVey, lead guitarist of The Vamps, dog owner and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, who explains:

“I’ve learnt, as a rescue dog owner, the importance of keeping your dog under control at all times. And at this time of year, it’s especially important to remember that we can all play our part in helping birds breed successfully by keeping dogs on short leads in wild places – especially when so many species are having such a hard time.”

Many people think of birds’ nests as being high up in trees, but a surprising number nest on the ground or just above it, in low bushes. For example:

• Nightjars lay their eggs directly onto the ground in heathlands
• Willow warblers tuck themselves away at the base of trees and bushes in woods and open areas with scattered trees
• Meadow pipits hide their eggs in grassy tussocks on commons and meadows
• Familiar garden birds like dunnocks and blackbirds can nest close to the ground.
• Oystercatcher, ringed plover and little tern eggs and chicks are brilliantly camouflaged on stony beaches around lakes and river banks, among pebbles and sand, making them easy to disturb.

Keeping dogs on short leads will benefit other wildlife that can be harmed or disturbed by enthusiastic pooches – from snakes to seals and amphibians to mammals. Dogs disturbed seals at Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s South Walney nature reserves earlier this year and there are fears that seal numbers are down as a result. Other Wildlife Trusts have experienced problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock. Recently, several sheep were attacked at a nature reserve looked after by Gwent Wildlife Trust in South Wales.

The law says that you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than 2 metres between 1^st March and 31^st July, when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds. For safety, you should also always keep your dog a lead around grazing animals, although it’s safer to let your dog off if you are chased by cows or horses.

Other benefits of keeping dogs on leads include:

• Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine by reducing it to a smaller area
• Preventing dogs jumping in lakes and rivers – this disturbs aquatic wildlife and the insecticides that are found in dog flea treatments can end up polluting water
• Reducing risks to other animals and people

So, if you plan to explore any of our amazing wild areas with your dog between March and the end of July, please remember to keep your dog on a lead and help us to protect these habitats for the wildlife that depends on them for survival.