Owners urged to keep dogs on leads to protect rare wildlife at Staffordshire beauty spot
Rangers at Kinver Edge are urging dog owners to keep their pet on a short lead in areas of heathland during breeding season.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Home to ground nesting birds and other rare wildlife, the heathland at Kinver Edge is cared for by the National Trust.
Dog owners are being asked to keep their pet on a lead this spring and summer to minimise disturbance to the animals that live and breed in the sensitive habitat between March 1 and July 31.
This includes the Willow Warbler, a ground nesting bird that arrives at Kinver Edge in spring after flying more than 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) from Africa to the UK.
The National Trust said that birds that make their nests, lay eggs and raise their chicks on the ground, including the Willow Warbler, Tree Pipit and Chiffchaff, are easily disturbed and distressed by dogs roaming off the footpaths.
Ewan Chapman, Lead Ranger at Kinver Edge, said: “March to July is breeding season for many species, so it’s really important to keep your dog on a lead at this time.
"Ground nesting birds might be prevented from settling if they’re disturbed by a dog, or if they’re already nesting they will fly away from their nests, neglecting their eggs or chicks.
“I want to say a big thank you to all of the responsible dog walkers who are helping us look after this rare habitat and the special wildlife that live here.
"Away from the heathland, there are plenty of areas on Kinver Edge where dogs are welcome to explore off lead.
"The top of the Edge, the woodland and Hillfort are all good areas for dogs to roam and run free.”
A spokesman for the National Trust said: "Cattle graze the heathland on Kinver Edge during the summer months.
"The cows have a docile nature and generally keep themselves to themselves.
"Birds, reptiles and heathland plant species require a mosaic of open and dense vegetation, which can only be maintained through active management, of which grazing is an essential part.
"To keep pets safe and to protect the livestock and wildlife that live here, walkers are encouraged to look out for signs that ask for dogs to be put on leads in areas of sensitive habitat."
