The celebrated song of the skylark and bubbling call of curlew are evocative and welcome sounds of spring, as people explore our wonderful countryside and urban commons again. Birds like these – whose numbers are in worrying decline – are making their fragile nests on the ground, tucked away safely in long grass.

However, too often, an exuberant or inquisitive pooch, wandering or bounding through grass or heather, easily disturbs wildlife and scares adult birds off nests or tramples eggs. And vulnerable chicks can quickly perish if they are left alone for too long.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves are amongst the richest places for wildlife in the county and are the last home to some of the rarest species. The Trust are calling on dog walkers to check in advance if dogs are allowed, and if they are allowed, keep them on a short lead to avoid disturbance to nesting birds. Whether you’re visiting urban parks, the wider countryside 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.

James Brittain-McVey, lead guitarist of The Vamps, dog owner and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts says:
“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.”

Jade Oliver, dog owner and communications officer for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust says:
“Allowing dogs off lead can be devastating for wildlife, particularly in spring when species are breeding and more vulnerable. We can all help protect wildlife by keeping our dogs on a short lead, sticking to the paths, and picking up after our dogs.”

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 beaches among pebbles and sand, making them easy to disturb.

Some beaches, for example at Gibraltar Point, have cordoned-off areas to protect some of the rarest birds’ nests – but it’s best to keep dogs on leads on all beaches and the wider countryside until chicks have fledged in September.

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

For more information on Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust dog friendly reserves visit www.lincstrust.org.uk/dog-walkers