AVON Wildlife Trust has advised the public to keep dogs on leads throughout the year to protect nature.

Avon Wildlife Trust are urging dog owners to keep their pets on short leads, particularly when birds are nesting, species are emerging from hibernation and to protect grazing livestock. 

A study by The Wildlife Trusts found that dogs off leads were responsible for 40% of wildlife disturbances in nature reserves, in comparison to just 5% by dogs on leads.

Dogs can also be a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock, with regular problems reported on nature reserves cared for by Avon Wildlife Trust.

Bernie D’Arcy, head of nature reserves at Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s great that so many people benefit from enjoying beautiful natural areas while out walking their dogs, but we urge responsibility.

“If you do walk your dog on one of our nature reserves where this is permitted, please keep them on a short lead.

Avon Wildlife Trust has seen multiple problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock, which has resulted in the deaths of animals.

Frankie Clinch, nature reserve officer at Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “With livestock grazing on Walton Common year-round, it is imperative that dogs are kept under very close control or on a lead.

“Walton Common is an extremely valuable habitat for birds and small mammals, and dogs can cause a huge amount of disturbance to local wildlife if they run through areas of woodland and scrub, especially during breeding season.

Fern Elias-Stagg is also a nature reserve officer for the Trust, and said: “At our Hellenge Hill nature reserve in the Mendips, I’ve noticed many more people walking their dogs off the lead.

“There is a designated public footpath, clearly signposted with signs that ask people to keep their dogs on leads, but sadly the majority of people I see are not sticking to the footpath."

The law states you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between March 1 and July 31 when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.  

Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: “Training has a crucial role to play and at Dog School we teach owners how to ensure their dog walks nicely on their lead around distractions."

Responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leads during nature's busy season will also be helping wildlife by lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine,  preventing dogs jumping in ponds.