Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is making an appeal over the next few months to raise awareness of the issue at two of its most popular nature reserves - Greenham & Crookham Commons and Snelsmore Common Country Park - in West Berkshire. Three new seasonal reserve wardens, Zoe, Esther and Claire, have been selected to help spread the word by talking to thousands of visitors about ground-nesting birds and how to protect them.

Saturday 1 March marked the start of nesting season in the UK, when species such as nightjars, skylarks and Dartford warblers make nests on the ground or in low-growing bushes. Heathland sites such as Greenham & Crookham Common and Snelsmore Common near Newbury - managed by BBOWT on behalf of West Berkshire Council - offer the perfect environment for them.

However, research shows that these rare birds are in trouble, with around 66 per cent of ground-nesting birds in decline in the UK, compared with 31 per cent of other species. In 2009, a BBOWT survey recorded 32 male skylarks that had established nesting territories on Greenham Common; in 2024 there were just two. Sadly, this decline is partly down to disturbance by people and dogs. So, the Trust is asking dog walkers and other visitors to help it build on decades of work protecting these vulnerable species by making sure they stick to paths and keep their dogs under control.

BBOWT’s Land Manager for West Berkshire, Julian Cooper, said:
“It is critical that we do what we can to not disturb ground nesting birds as they seek safety to nest amongst the heathlands. When disturbed the perceived danger causes them to abandon their nests, leaving them exposed and lowering their breeding outcomes. Wardens will be on site and on-hand to answer questions and provide further information. We’re very grateful to Zoe, Esther and Claire for their work inspiring people to help, as well as to all the people who respect ground nesting birds when they visit Greenham and Snelsmore Commons. Managing dogs may seem trivial, but it really does make a tangible difference.”

At both reserves, the wardens will be enforcing the same rules to protect wildlife. Visitors – whether walking, on bikes, on horseback, or with dogs - are asked to stick to the main paths, except when in sign-posted roam zones at Greenham Common or on the green route at Snelsmore Common.

Dog walkers are also asked to keep their dogs on the path at all times, except in the signposted areas. People who cannot keep their dogs under control, will be asked to use a lead.

Responsible 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.

They will also be helping protect nature by: 

• Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine on precious habitats. The nutrients in dog waste enrich the heathland where the specialist plants are reliant on minimal inputs
• Preventing dogs jumping in ponds, which can disturb aquatic wildlife. Insecticides found in flea treatments can pollute waterways
• Reducing risks to other wildlife, farm livestock and grazing animals

BBOWT’s Principal Ecologist, Andy Coulson-Phillips, said:

“We know that ground-nesting birds are drawn to the special mix of grass, heath and scrub habitats at Greenham and Snelsmore Commons. There is a range of species, from woodlark, Dartford warbler, nightjar, nightingale, little ringed plover, and meadow pipit, and a skylark has been heard singing at Greenham. These are rare and vulnerable birds: but a combination of visitors to the commons keeping to the paths, habitat management work and grazing, will give scrub and ground-nesting bird species the best chance at breeding successfully this year.”