Dog walking rules set to change at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve

Proposed changes to the bylaws governing Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, on the Northumberland coast, are set to impact dog walkers.

The current bylaws at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve have been in place since 1999, but “social changes” over that time have meant they now need to be updated.

The draft changes, which will be subjected to a formal consultation, include restrictions on dogs after “significant issues” with dog disturbance at shore bird breeding sites reported at Ross Sands, Goswick Sands, and Budle Bay, impacting little terns and ringed plovers.

In addition, dogs are currently required to be on a short lead to protect the rare birds. This will be made to a two-metre lead, while dog walkers will be restricted to having no more than two dogs with them at any time after “regular problems” with commercial dog walkers.

Natural England is accepting feedback to the proposals from businesses, landowners, parish councils, and other environmental organisations until 23 August.