Part of the LNR has a notice which asks people not to enter with their dog. Specifically the Marsh area. There are good reasons.
One reason relates to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, partially designed to protect wildlife. It is powerful. e.g. reckless disturbance of nesting birds is an arrestable offence. Specific migrating birds use the Marsh for Winter feeding. This Act applies even outside the boundary of the LNR. Fortunately the creatures that live in areas outside of the Marsh are probably used to dogs.
Our Marsh area has never previously been accessed by people, let alone by people with dogs. Something as simple as a barking dog can cause disturbance. A fox is a dog but a fox is part of nature and there may only be a couple of foxes living near the marsh. Who knows how many dogs would be brought in if unrestricted.
Another reason for a restriction - pathways in the marsh are narrow and although your dog may not be lively, other people may want to walk several boisterous dogs. This would not be good. The marsh is deep and there is a risk that elderly people and children could be knocked off the path by boisterous dogs. Many children are frightened of dogs in a confined space. Even on leads, dogs in this kind of location can cause serious problems .
The Marsh access provides an opportunity for study and allows observation of the flora and fauna not normally available. It is a risk to bring people close to wildlife in this area, therefore consideration should be given to quiet movement. Think of the Marsh as a natural library, would you take your dog into a library? It is hoped that people will respect the difficulty and the risk.
Please consider that over 60% of the LNR has traditionally been used for dog walking, locally known as the Burrows. There is no special restriction applied on the Burrows. It is designated access land with plenty of open space. Your dog is welcome on the Burrows. Wildlife on the Burrows is used to living close to people. Risk of a problem to wildlife is minimal. Be responsible, there could be ground nesting birds. Also, snakes breed in the Burrows and all snakes are protected.
Please take care. Have a look at the links below for advice.
One reason relates to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, partially designed to protect wildlife. It is powerful. e.g. reckless disturbance of nesting birds is an arrestable offence. Specific migrating birds use the Marsh for Winter feeding. This Act applies even outside the boundary of the LNR. Fortunately the creatures that live in areas outside of the Marsh are probably used to dogs.
Our Marsh area has never previously been accessed by people, let alone by people with dogs. Something as simple as a barking dog can cause disturbance. A fox is a dog but a fox is part of nature and there may only be a couple of foxes living near the marsh. Who knows how many dogs would be brought in if unrestricted.
Another reason for a restriction -
The Marsh access provides an opportunity for study and allows observation of the flora and fauna not normally available. It is a risk to bring people close to wildlife in this area, therefore consideration should be given to quiet movement. Think of the Marsh as a natural library, would you take your dog into a library? It is hoped that people will respect the difficulty and the risk.
Please consider that over 60% of the LNR has traditionally been used for dog walking, locally known as the Burrows. There is no special restriction applied on the Burrows. It is designated access land with plenty of open space. Your dog is welcome on the Burrows. Wildlife on the Burrows is used to living close to people. Risk of a problem to wildlife is minimal. Be responsible, there could be ground nesting birds. Also, snakes breed in the Burrows and all snakes are protected.
Please take care. Have a look at the links below for advice.
