If you’re heading out with your dog this spring to take advantage of the new right of access to open country, you’re asked to remember to keep your dog on a short lead during the ground nesting bird breeding season.
Countryside Agency Archive

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"Keep your dog on a lead" is the call this spring and summer - 23 February 2006

If you’re heading out with your dog this spring to take advantage of the new right of access to open country, commonly known as the ‘right to roam,’ you’re asked to remember the need to keep your dog on a short lead during the ground nesting bird breeding season which runs from the 1 March to 31 July.

As it is the first spring that the new right of access to open country has been in place across England, the Countryside Agency, the Kennel Club, English Nature and the English Association of National Parks Authorities are reminding people to keep their dogs on leads during this sensitive time. 

Joanna Ramsay of English Nature said “Grass and heather moor are the prime breeding habitats for populations of ground nesting birds such as the hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin. As vulnerable species, ground nesting birds can easily be disturbed by dogs off a lead.”

This new right means there is more countryside for people to enjoy without the need to stick to paths. In some National Parks this increase has been quite significant. In the Lake District National Park, for instance, the amount of access land has increased by 114,278 hectares (50.1%) and in the Yorkshire Dales National Park., the increase is even higher at 62% (109,714 hectares).

Steven Pugsley, chairman of the English Association of National Park Authorities said: “With so much more land being available for access on foot, there’s never been a better time to get out into the countryside and we look forward to welcoming more people than ever into the National Parks.”

Phil Buckley from the Kennel Club said: “A visit to the countryside should be enjoyable and trouble-free for you and your dog.   During the ground nesting bird breeding season, we would urge all dog owners when out on access land, to keep them on a lead, to prevent disturbance to these birds.”

For more information on the Countryside Code and what to do and where to go in the countryside, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

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NOTES TO EDITORS 

1.          For more information on the new right of access to the countryside in England, please call Matthew Heard or Beth Rose in the Countryside Agency press office on 01242 533476 or 01242 533306.

2.          To limit disturbance during the ground-nesting birds breeding season, which extends from 1st of March to 31st July, dogs on access land are required to be on a short lead for the whole of this period.

3.          New right of access to open country introduced across England last year means that people can walk freely an on 958, 000 hectares of mountain moor heath and downland and registerstered common land. With the new right comes responsibility to protect the countryside and respect wildlife and farm animals and follow the Countryside Code.  

4.          The five messages of the Countryside Code are:

  • Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
  • Keep dogs under close control
  • Consider other people

5.           English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England.   It will work for people, places and nature with  responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.