The Rangers have received many complaints about fouling. Build up of faeces can lead to a nutrient increase which is detrimental to the plant life of this reserve. Children visiting the sites are constantly treading in dog dirt. Please use the dog bins provided. Free poop bags are available from the ranger service.

Keep dogs on a lead

During winter, foraging animals and birds continually harassed by free dogs can expend vital energy, leading to their deaths on cold evenings. Many wild creatures view dogs as enemies and will, naturally, want to remove themselves from potential threats to their well being. Over disturbance will lead to certain species leaving the area.

Do not allow your dog into the ponds

Ponds can be an important habitat for great crested newts and other amphibians. Dogs splashing about in ponds create clouding of water for hours afterwards. Newts cannot see their food, nor the approach of predators, their eggs are dislodged from concealment then found and eaten by other enemies. Amphibians over-wintering in pond mud can be unearthed and this can be fatal to their survival!

Please follow the three simple rules above. Should dogs continue to be a problem it may become necessary for the benefit of the reserve, wildlife and other users to restrict dog access. Thank you.