Dog walkers urged to act to protect wildlife and help farmers

Some of the UK’s most popular national parks are urging dog walkers to protect wildlife and help farmers as ground-nesting bird and lambing season start. 

The South Downs National Park Authority has launched its Take The Lead campaign that has four key messages for dog walkers:  Keep dogs on a lead near livestock, bag and bin poo, stick to the path, and do not enter military training areas when the red flags are flying. 

In addition, dogs on Dartmoor need to be on short leads to protect nesting birds and other animals, Dartmoor National Park Authority has said. The protective period will until 31 July. 

Dartmoor rangers have been out advising dog walkers, while handing out treats, leads and poo bags. 

The initiative was organised by Dartmoor National Park Authority, The National Trust, and Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society.  

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is encouraging dog owners to keep their pets on leads during visits to nature reserves and the wider countryside.