DOG walkers in Berkshire are being urged to keep their pets under control this spring to protect some of the county’s rarest and most enchanting birds.

BBOWT is making the appeal at two of its most popular nature reserves - Greenham & Crookham Commons and Snelsmore Common.

Wednesday, 1 March, marks the start of ground-nesting bird season in the UK when species such as nightjars, skylarks and Dartford warblers make nests on the ground or in low-growing bushes.

Research shows that 66 per cent of ground-nesting birds are in decline in the UK, compared with 31 per cent of other species, and loose dogs are one of the biggest causes of disturbance.

The Trust is asking dog walkers to help it build on decades of work protecting these vulnerable species by making sure they and their dogs stick to the paths.

Roger Stace, BBOWT Berkshire Land Manager, said:
"We are so incredibly lucky to have places like Greenham and Snelsmore so close to Newbury and Thatcham: there's so much beautiful and incredible wildlife at these sites, but it can easily be disturbed by people walking near where birds are nesting and by dogs sniffing around.

"People and dogs don't mean any harm, but it can cause birds to abandon their nests, leaving their chicks to die. One person or one dog probably won't make the difference, but if it happens again and again it definitely will. That's why we are asking people to come on board with what we're doing.”

At Greenham Common, the Trust is trying to help two birds in particular: the skylark, famed for its 'unending' lyrical song, and the tiny, colourful Dartford warbler.

In 2009, a BBOWT survey recorded 32 male skylarks that had established nesting territories on the common; last year there were just two. This decline is partly down to disturbance by people and dogs.

At Snelsmore, staff are working hard to protect the mysterious and much-loved nightjar. These stocky birds, about the size of a pigeon, are covered in cryptic zig-zag patterns that help them vanish in the undergrowth where they nest. They are famous for the distinctive 'churring' call which they make while swooping between trees at dusk.

Five years ago the Trust recorded no nightjars at all at Snelsmore. Last summer, after careful habitat management, officers found four or five nesting males.

At both reserves, the Trust enforces the same rules to protect wildlife.

Mr Stace explained:
"Wherever you go on these sites, you, your bike, your dog or your horse must stick to the main paths, except when you are in the sign-posted roam zones at Greenham or the green route at Snelsmore. We don't tell people that they have to keep their dogs on a lead at these reserves, we ask people to please keep your dog with you on the path at all times, except in the signposted areas. If people cannot keep their dogs under control, we would ask them to use a lead.

“We know this requires a bit more effort but we want our nature reserves to be great places for people and wildlife. They are great places for a dog walk too, as long as it’s done responsibly. We hope that all the visitors who make the effort to travel to these nature reserves agree that they are magical places that are worth protecting."

In order to help get the message out, the Trust has just hired three seasonal wardens who will talk to visitors at Greenham and Snelsmore about ground-nesting birds, other species and how to help protect them. The wardens will help protect wildlife until after ground-nesting bird season ends on July 31.

Responsible dog owners who keep their dogs under control during the spring and summer will also be helping wildlife by: 
•            Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine on precious habitats
•            Preventing dogs jumping in ponds, which can disturb aquatic wildlife. Insecticides found in dog flea treatments can pollute waterways
•            Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock and grazing animals

Owners who keep their dogs under control will also help protect their pets from injury, road accidents, adder bites and from getting lost while out walking.