Dog walking - Ben Hall/2020 Vision
Dog walking on our nature reserves
Our advice on visiting our reserves responsibly with your dog
BBOWT manages over 80 nature reserves for the conservation of special and important species and habitats, and for people’s enjoyment of nature. Many of them offer lovely walks, and responsible owners and their dogs are welcome on almost all of our reserves, but dog-related issues (such as wildlife disturbance and attacks on livestock or other site users) mean we may exclude dogs from all or part of some reserves for part of the year. Dog fouling can cause problems for wildlife, by increasing the nutrients and thus threatening important plant species and communities, and is unpleasant and potentially dangerous to other visitors.
Where dogs are allowed, it is important to manage your four legged friend appropriately, and to be aware of the issues that dogs can cause for wildlife. Please take note of the following points when visiting our reserves with a dog:
Look out for signs
Wildlife Trust nature reserves have different policies for dog walking. Dogs are not permitted on some reserves, whilst other reserves have restrictions at certain times of year. Please check out the reserve’s webpage before you visit and look out for signs around the reserve.
Nightjars nest on Greenham Common
Keep your dog close to you and in sight
Dogs off the lead and out of sight can disturb species that we work tirelessly to encourage onto our nature reserves, such as ground nesting birds. Please keep your dog under effective control to make sure it stays away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people unless invited. We strongly advise the use of a lead, as even the most well-trained dogs can act unpredictably in response to wildlife.
Pick up after your dog
Always pick up after your dog. Some of our nature reserves have dog bins, but if you can’t find one please take the waste home with you or use a nearby litter bin. Never leave bags of dog poo to collect later. Dog waste changes soil fertility, in turn changing the plants that grow there. It can also spread disease to humans and livestock.
Dog walking on Greenham Common
Be aware of grazing animals
Many of our sites are managed with the help of grazing animals so please keep your dog on a lead in these areas for your own safety and to avoid distressing the livestock. Be aware that dogs that are ordinarily calm and focused at home or in urban environments may behave differently in a new and stimulating rural environment. Also be aware that livestock may react more strongly to dogs than to humans. In the event that you are chased or charged at by cattle, let go of your dog's lead - they are likely most interested in your dog, which will be able to outrun them.
Consider other visitors
If you see other visitors up ahead, please prevent your dog from approaching them uninvited. If you see a school group please put your dog on a lead.
We greatly value your support in setting a great example and communicating to others the importance of sensitive behaviour in our most precious wild places.
This video from the South Downs National Park authority is well worth a watch.
Please note that professional dog walkers are not allowed on any of our reserves.
Special Doggy Events
On some of our reserves we run special doggy events or guided walks for dog walkers. Please search on the events page of our website.